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Match Reports 2011/12

MATCH REPORT

Under 9 Green DivisionWicklow Rovers A 3 Arklow Town A 5

This was a very entertaining game with play swinging from end to end, the home side could have went ahead as early as the second minute when Ben Algera was denied by a good save from the Arklow keeper. In the fifth minute a three man move involving Mark O’Brien, Ben Algera and Joseph Neilan set up Max Kearney whose effort was turned away by the keeper. Eight minutes were gone when Max Kearney came to the home teams rescue with a last ditch tackle when a certain goal looked on the cards. In the space of two minutes just before the break Arklow created two openings, the first chance saw Evan Dwyer save well with Conor Leonard clearing the breaking ball. The second chance saw Arklow take the lead with an unstoppable shot from twenty yards. Just on the stroke of half time the away side increased their lead with another effort from long range to go in at the break 2-0 up. In the first minute of the second half Ben Algera was called on to save to keep his side in the game. Rovers went up field and a great solo run by Joseph Neilan ended with the Arklow keeper making a good save. A minute later Kevin Leonard and Mark O’Brien set up the impressive Joseph Neilan who fired home a cracker to put his team back in the match. Straight from the kick off Rovers gained possession when Jack O’Neil intercepted and set Mark O’Brien away down the right, his cross was coolly finished by Joseph Neilan to square the game. Between the 30 th and the 37 th minute Arklow scored three time to go 5-2 up. Evan Dwyer went back into the goals and pulled off a great save with two minutes remaining. With a minute left on the clock Ben Algera slid the ball home to make it 5-3 and in injury time they could have added another but Joseph Neilan was denied by the keeper. This was an entertaining game with both teams having plenty of chances, Rovers matched their physically bigger opponents through out the game and with a bit of luck they could have snatched a draw.SQUAD: Evan Dwyer, Jack O’Neil, Mark O’Brien, Max Kearney, Conor Leonard, Kevin Leonard, Ben Algera, Joseph Neilan.

Comp: LeagueDate: 18/2/12Venue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.00 pm

Leinster Senior Major SaturdayWicklow Rovers 4 Crumlin United 2

Both these teams went into this game in great form with both sides having their sights set firmly on the title. As early as the second minute the away side gave a sign of what Rovers could expect when they went close to taking the lead, a cross from the right just evaded the incoming Crumlin striker with the whole goal at his mercy with the ball just drifting wide of the far post. The response from Rovers was instant, Luke Byrne received the ball out wide, he cut in and unleashed an unstoppable shot to give the home side the lead. Two minutes later Rovers nearly increased their lead when Stephen Earls surged through the Crumlin defence only to see his effort well saved by the keeper. After twelve minutes Darragh O’Donnell was alert to get an effort in on goal after a mix up in the away defence but his shot was turned away for a corner which came to nothing. From this point on Crumlin took control of the game and poured forward to put Rovers under pressure. Midway through the half Joe Quinn was on hand to divert the ball out for a corner when the Crumlin striker was about to pull the trigger. On thirty minutes Paul Alexander came to his sides rescue with a well timed tackle inside the area when a certain goal looked on the cards. A minute later Crumlin went close with an effort from the edge of the box which went narrowly wide. After thirty five minutes with the Crumlin number ten bearing down on goal with only Arthur Delahunt to beat that man Paul Alexander yet again came to the rescue with another well timed challenge to keep the score at 1-0. On the stroke of half time Rovers keeper Arthur Delahunt saved well down low to turn the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner was headed clear by Paul Alexander to send Rovers in 1-0 up at the break. The second half couldn’t have started any better, only two minutes in and Rovers found themselves 2-0 up, Paul O’Neill won the ball out wide on the left, he in turn squared the ball in to Luke Byrne, with everyone expecting a pass out to Gareth Murphy who picked up a great position out wide on the right Luke Byrne unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the area which nestled in the bottom right corner for his second goal. This proved to be the start of a crazy ten minute period, after eight minutes Crumlin pulled a goal back when sloppy defending saw the ball been diverted past Arthur Delahunt when it should have been cleared. Two minutes later the away side were awarded a disputed penalty in what appeared to be a well timed challenge from the home defender. The resulting spot kick was brilliantly saved by Arthur Delahunt only for Crumlin player to react the quickest to the rebound to slot the ball home to level the match. Ken Doyle was introduced shortly afterwards and his first contribution was to see a well struck shot saved by the keeper. In the twenty first minute Shane Cassidy prevented Crumlin getting in on goal with a great interception and a minute later the impressive Paul Alexander put in another one of his trademark challenges to prevent what looked a certain goal to keep the game all square. The evergreen Greg Dunne made his return to first team action since his injury against St Michaels in the FAI Junior cup and even though he was only on the park for fifteen minutes he put in some crunching tackles and seemed to be everywhere as Rovers went in search of a winner. Both subs were influential in gaining Rovers control around the middle of the park, both Greg Dunne and Ken Doyle were involved in the moves that resulted in Rovers winning the game. Greg broke up a Crumlin attack and started the move which saw Wicklow win a corner with ten minutes left on the clock, the in swinging corner was met by the head of Shane Cassidy to notch his ninth goal of the season to put the home side 3-2 in front. In the forty first minute quick thinking from Ken Doyle saw him unleash a long throw over the top of a square Crumlin defence to set Luke Byrne away who beautifully lobbed the advancing Crumlin keeper to complete his hat-trick and seal the three points for Rovers. There was time for one more attack from the visitors but the home sides tails were up and they had no intention of letting their defence been breached as Stephen Earls was on hand to mop up a through ball to clear to safety. This was one of those games were the team didn’t perform to their full potential but it has to be said to gain three points against a side with the quality and experience that Crumlin have and still take the three points is surely the sign of a good side. Man of the match would normally go to any man who scores a hat-trick but on this day it has to go to Paul Alexander who was impressive and rock solid at the centre of the Rovers defence, coming to their rescue again and again when his team were under pressure. Luke Byrne followed closely and he hit a hat-trick of spectacular goals with all his goals been struck from outside the area. Also impressive on the day were Arthur Delahunt in the Rovers goal, Shane Cassidy in the middle of the park and then when he moved back to the centre of the defence and also Greg Dunne who was only on for a short time in the midfield but he was committed in the challenges and left the Crumlin midfield in no doubt he was around. This result sent the lads into second place a point behind league leaders Bangor Celtic with three games in hand.TEAM: Arthur Delahunt, Stephen Earls, BA Franey, Joe Quinn, Paul Alexander, Cian Verney, Shane Cassidy, Paul O’Neill, Gareth Murphy, Luke Byrne, Darragh O’Donnell. Subs: Ken Doyle, Greg Dunne, Jim Foley, Ian Brannigan, Liam Bacon, Steven Moran.

The visitors arrived at the Whitegates on Saturday as the holders of the Lanigan Cup, in fact they have won it for the last two years so a tough tie was always on the cards. In the fifth minute Rovers won a corner, from the resulting corner from Luke Byrne the ball clipped the crossbar before harmlessly going out for a goal kick. After nine minutes the holders went in front, from a corner kick the Belgrove front man came in at the back post unmarked to finish to put Belgrove one up. Rovers reply was instant, four minutes later the hard working Paul O’Neill robbed the centre half, ran thirty yards before calmly tucking the ball past the advancing Belgrove keeper to level the match at 1-1. On thirty six minutes Darragh O’Donnell put Luke Byrne clear only for his effort to be deflected out for a corner which came to nothing. A minute later Gareth Murphy done well to create space for himself and get a shot on target but the keeper saved well. Just before the break the home side won a free kick on the right side of the area, Ken Doyle unleashed a powerful shot from the free, which rattled the foot of the post. On the basis of play in the first half it was probably a fair score line for the sides to go in at the break all square. Rovers started the second period on the front foot and as early as first minute they could have went in front, a Liam Bacon through ball found the unmarked Luke Byrne on the right, Luke’s shot was parried away by the keeper. In the fifty fifth minute a move involving Liam Bacon, Gareth Murphy and Paul O’Neill set up Darragh O’Donnell who fired in a shot from the edge of the box only for yet again the away keeper to save. The away side broke up field and created an opportunity, which Arthur Delahunt in the Rovers goal was equal to as he turned a powerful shot away to safety. After sixty minutes Paul O’Neill gathered the ball in the middle of the park, slipped the ball to Luke Byrne who thundered a thirty yard effort that no keeper would have got near to put Rovers 2-1 up. In the space of a minute midway through the half Rovers had two chances to increase the lead, first Shane Cassidy saw his header saved by the keeper and then Gareth Murphy shot went just the wrong side of the upright. With ten minutes left on the clock Greg Dunne combined with Darragh O’Donnell to set Luke Byrne up only to be denied yet again by the away keeper. In the last few minutes the holders pushed forward looking for an equaliser but the Rovers rear guard were in no mood to be breached and Belgrove were frustrated as Rovers coped with comfort. This was a good solid team performance from the lads and a well deserved victory. The highlight of the game had to be the spectacular finish from Luke Byrne which has to be a contender for goal of the season.TEAM: Arthur Delahunt, Stephen Earls, BA Franey, Shane Cassidy, Paul Alexander, Gareth Murphy, Paul O’Neill, Liam Bacon, Ken Doyle, Darragh O’Donnell, Luke Byrne. Subs: Greg Dunne, Steven Moran, Jim Foley, Ian Brannigan.

Rovers started this game in style, after two minutes Darragh O’Connor put Kieran Bloomfield in and his effort came back off the crossbar.Three minutes later Rovers went in front when Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy and Darragh O’Connor combined to set up Kieran Bloomfield who hammered the ball to the bottom right hand corner of the net for the lead..In the seventh minute Kieran Bloomfield got on the end of a Liam Kavanagh cross but fired just wide. Fifteen minutes were gone on the clock when a good run and cross from the left by Lee Boylan was finished off by Kieran Bloomfield to make it 2-0. Two minutes later Kieran Bloomfield completed his hat-trick when he picked the ball up on the halfway line and took on the home defence single handily going pass three defenders and chipping the advancing keeper to make it 3-0. On twenty minutes Darragh O’Connor put his name on the score sheet to make it 4-0 and put Rovers in total control of the game. From the next attack Alan Power went close from a Kieran Bloomfield cross. Midway through the half the home team pulled one back when they fired home a free kick. On twenty eight minutes the very busy Glen McCarthy found Darragh O’Connor who shot over. Two minutes later Glen McCarthy impressively turned two defenders and set up Alan Power for the fifth goal. Before the break Rovers had three more chances, Glen McCarthy had an effort cleared off the line, Kieran Bloomfield half volley went narrowly wide and a Liam Kavanagh free shaved the outside of the woodwork. Five minutes into the second period the home scored their when they caught the Rovers defence napping to make it 5-2. On fifty seven minutes Peter Thornton headed over Kieran Bloomfield’s cross. After sixty five minutes the hard working pair of Glen McCarthy and Liam Kavanagh set up Kieran Bloomfield but his shot was well saved by the home keeper. With the match heading for the final moments Kieran Bloomfield cut in from the left and fired home to make it 6-2 and a passage to the second round. In the first half Rovers turned in a five star performance but took their foot off the gas in the second period.

The first chance in the game came after four minutes when Liam Kavanagh put Lee Boylan whose effort went just over. On nine minutes Stephen McElligott-Ryan cut in from the left and fired a well struck shot against the bar. Arklow’s first major chance came on fifteen minutes but Daragh Hosey in the home goal was equal to it and pulled off a great save. On twenty minutes Glen McCarthy combined with Stephen McElligott-Ryan with the latter’s effort well saved. Five minutes later Daragh Hosey had to be alert to prevent the away side from going in front. Rovers broke up field and put the Arklow defence under pressure, Stephen McElligott-Ryan passed through the centre of the Arklow back line and with pressure been applied by Darragh O’Connor and Lee Boylan resulted in confusion and left Darragh O’Connor with a simple tap in to give Rovers the lead. A move involving all four Rovers midfielders nearly made it 2-0, Glen McCarthy passed infield to Liam Kavanagh who set Stephen McElligott-Ryan down the left, his pin point cross found Alan Power at the back post but his shot was well saves by the Arklow keeper. With five minutes to go to the break the away side equalised when the split open the Rovers defence to square up the game. Just on the stroke of half time Liam Kavanagh went close with a header from an Alan Power corner. Three minutes after the restart Rovers were back in front, Stephen McElligott-Ryan placed an inch perfect pass into Darragh O’Connor who coolly finished past the advancig keeper to make it 2-1. A minute later Aaron Meade found Liam Kavanagh and twenty yard shot was saved. Rovers were now well on top and created several chances, Glen McCarthy crashed a shot against the bar, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Liam Kavanagh and Alan Power all had efforts just wide. Arklow were still dangerous on the break but Conor Moore, Ronan Manley, Rory O’Kelly and Craig Waldron were solid. On sixty five minutes Aaron Meade found Stephen McElligott-Ryan who played in Alan Power on the right, Alan was quickest to the ball to slide the ball into the far corner of the net to put Rovers 3-1 up. Seventy minutes were gone when the impressive trio of Glen McCarthy, Liam Kavanagh and Stephen McElligott-Ryan combined and ended with Stephen firing home from twenty yards to increase Rovers lead to 4-1. In the dying seconds Arklow scored their second for a final score of 4-2 to Rovers.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Ronan Manley, Aaron Meade, Rory O’Kelly, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Darragh O’Connor, Lee Boylan, Craig Waldron, Peter Thornton, Conor Moore, Timmy Doherty, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 23/10/11Comp: LeagueVenue: CoolboyKick Off: 10.30

Under 15 Premier DivisionCoolboy Rangers 4 Wicklow Rovers A 7

Yet another goal feast involving the 15A’s, this game started with the home team on top in the first ten minutes without creating any clear cut chances. Rovers gradually got a foot hold in the game and started to create chances. On thirteen minutes Kieran Bloomfield went close followed shortly by efforts from Stephen McElligott-Ryan and Darragh O’Connor. After twenty minutes Rovers went in front, Aaron Meade played Stephen McElligott-Ryan down the left, he in turn went past two home defenders and then sent in an inch perfect cross for Kieran Bloomfield to fire Rovers in front. At this stage Rovers had gained control of the game and it was no surprise that they increased their lead. Glen McCarthy received the ball from Craig Waldron in his own half, he surged forward and played the ball through to Kieran Bloomfield to slip the ball past the advancing keeper to go 2-0 up. Rovers were in total control with Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy and Alan Power controlling the centre of the park with Rory O’Kelly mopping up any breaks by the home team. With ten minutes to go to the break disaster struck for Rovers when they conceded a soft goal to make it 2-1 and things got worse just before the break when Coolboy split open the Rovers defence to level the match at 2-2. Wicklow came out in the second half and took the game to the home team and got their reward after fifty minutes when they went back in front, a move involving Conor Moore, Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy set up Kieran Bloomfield who netted his hat-trick to make it 3-2. Rovers then suffered a blow when they lost their captain Rory O’Kelly through injury. After fifty five minutes Rovers increased their lead when Kieran Bloomfield fired in his and the teams fourth goal. Three minutes later they were 5-2 up when the impressive Stephen McElligott-Ryan coolly finished off a neat passing move involving Mark Egan, Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy. At this point the home team were limited to trying shots from long range, when they did try to get in behind the Rovers defence Ronan Manley came to the rescue to clear his line. Midway through the half Daragh Hosey in the Rovers goal was called on to make two excellent saves in the space of three minutes. After sixty three minutes James Nolan won the ball back for Rovers when he won the ball off the home centre half, played it out to Alan Power who crossed to Kieran Bloomfield who shot narrowly wide. On sixty six minutes Stephen McElligott-Ryan split the home defence to fire in Rovers sixth.. With the midfield dominating Ronan Manley sent Alan Power away down the right who squared the ball to Glen McCarthy who placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner to make it 7-2. Wicklow took their foot off the gas which allowed the home team in for two late goals for a final score of 7-4.

Under 15 Premier Cup Quarter FinalArklow Town A 3 Wicklow Rovers A 3 After Extra Time[Arklow won 4-2 on penalities]

Rovers started this game on the front foot and took the game to the home side, after two minutes Glen McCarthy went close shooting narrowly wide. Stephen McElligott-Ryan weaved his way past three Arklow players before seeing his effort go just the wrong side of the post. On twelve minutes Rovers went in front, Alan Power combined with Glen McCarthy to set Liam Kavanagh away down the right who in turn crossed for Darragh O’Connor to slide the ball home for the lead. From this point Rovers seem to take their foot off the gas and let the home side get a foot hold in the game. On twenty eight minutes they were level and before the break they were in front. The second half was a scrappy affair with both teams not creating too many clear cut chances, with ten minutes remaining Rovers put the home side under pressure and when the equaliser came what a goal it was, it came from the boot of the very impressive Glen McCarthy, the equally impressive Liam Kavanagh crossed the ball to Glen just outside the area, the ball came to him at hip level, he swivelled and hit a cracking half volley to the roof of the net which would grace any pitch to make it 2-2 to send the game to extra time. Midway through the first period of extra time the home side went back in front when the Rovers defence failed to clear and Arklow took full advantage to go 3-2 up. For the rest of extra time Rovers applied pressure, Liam Kavanagh, Alan Power and Lee Boylan all went close. With four minutes left on the clock Rovers won a corner, Alan Power swung over the corner which Rory O’Kelly met at the back post with his head only for the ball to be cleared off the line, Glen McCarthy fired the rebound against the post and then the ball was scrambled off the line but Liam Kavanagh made no mistake when he fired home for the equaliser. In the final minute Rovers scored what they thought was the winner but was harshly ruled out for offside. Arklow went on to win penalty shootout lottery on a score line of 4-2.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Craig Waldron, Aaron Meade, Rory O’Kelly, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, Lee Boylan, Peter Thornton, Ronan Manley, Conor Moore, Timmy Doherty.

Date: 3/12/11Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 12.00

Under 15 Premier DivisionWicklow Rovers A 2 Coolboy Rangers 0

Rovers started this game without both first choice keepers so leading goalscorer Kieran Bloomfield took over the number one jersey and what a game he had. The first chance of note came after seven minutes when Liam Kavanagh saw his effort turned away by the keeper. A minute later Kieran Bloomfield was called on to come to the home teams rescue when he pulled off a superb double save to keep the score at 0-0. On nineteen minutes an Alan Power corner was headed just wide by Glen McCarthy. After twenty three minutes a Darragh O’Connor cross was met by Liam Kavanagh but his header was cleared off the line. With seven minutes left before the break the best move of the game resulted with Rovers taking the lead, a neat passing move involving Glen McCarthy, Stephen McElligott-Ryan and Liam Kavanagh was finished off by Lee Boylan to go one up. At this stage of the game Mark Egan was proving to be a tower of strength at the centre of the home defence making two vital interceptions and he was ably assisted by Ronan Manley, Aaron Meade and Rory O’Kelly. In injury time the away side were awarded a penalty, Kieran Bloomfield pulled off a fantastic save down to his right to send Rovers in at the break one up. Lee Boylan went close to increasing the lead for the home side when his effort went just the wrong side of the upright. On seventeen minutes Coolboy broke through the Rovers defence but again Kieran Bloomfield denied them with a great block in a one on one situation. With fourteen minutes left on the clock James Nolan found Alan Power out wide on the right, Alan Power’s cross found James Nolan whose effort was blocked but the alert Stephen McElligott-Ryan was on hand to fire the ball home for a 2-0 lead. Two minutes later they went close again, Liam Kavanagh combined with Ronan Manley to set the dangerous Alan Power away down the right, his cross was met by the incoming Glen McCarthy whose header was just wide. Rovers saw out the game to record a very good 2-0 victory.SQUAD: Kieran Bloomfield, Ronan Manley, Aaron Meade, Mark Egan, Rory O’Kelly, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, Glen McCarthy, James Nolan, Conor Moore, Peter Thornton, Craig Waldron, Timmy Doherty.

Under 8 League [White]Wicklow Rovers A 7 Arklow Town A 3

The home side got off to a flyer in this game, with a minute on the clock a move involving Stephen Gormley, Calum Gibney and Sam Christie was coolly finished to the net by Peter Dunne for an early lead. Three minutes later a last ditch tackle from Conor Luddy prevented Arklow from equalising. In the fifth minute Glen Broughan picked the ball up on the half way line and went on a solo run going past three Arklow defenders before slotting the ball home to make it 2-0. Three minutes later things got even better for Rovers when they went 3-0 up when Aaron Murphy and Stephen Gormley combined to put Glen Broughan in to score his second. Midway through the half Glen Broughan completed his hat-trick when he fired home Rovers fourth. From the restart Arklow were denied by a good save from Aaron Murray in the Rovers goal. Five minutes before the break Arklow pulled one back with a well struck effort. A minute later Arklow could have scored again but they were denied by the alert Cillian McAllister who made a great challenge to clear the danger. Just on the stroke of half time Peter Dunne rattled the post. In the first minute of the second period Tiernan O’Brien was denied a goal when the away keeper saved well. Arklow pulled another goal back but Rovers restored their three goal advantage from the tip off when a piece of individual skill and a neat finish from Tiernan O’Brien made it 5-2. In the thirty second minute Aaron Murphy received the ball from Tiernan O’Brien on the edge of the area, his well struck shot found the back of the net to make it 6-2. Arklow went in search of their third goal but Thomas Kennedy was on hand to clear when they threatened. With four minutes remaining the away side did score their third. The goals didn’t stop there and Rovers scored their seventh on the stroke of full time when Aaron Murphy fired home a cracking effort into the top right hand corner of the net to give them a 7-3 victory. This was a cracking game full of entertaining attacking football from both sides. This was an excellent all round team performance from the Rovers team with some good football on show.SQUAD: Aaron Murray, Conor Luddy, Calum Gibney, Tiernan O’Brien, Glen Broughan, Sam Christie, Stephen Gormley, Peter Dunne, Aaron Murphy, Thomas Kennedy, Cillian McAllister.

Date: 19/2/12Comp: League [White]Venue: Hockey PitchKick Off : 11.00

Under 9 League [White]Wicklow Rovers B 3 Greystones United B 0

Rovers started this game on the front foot and a move involving Daniel Dunne and Matthew Harbourne set up Finn Egan Barron who fired just wide after three minutes. After eight minutes Aaron Lynch in the Rovers goal pulled off a superb save to keep the match scoreless. Two minutes later good work from Ryan Kavanagh earned his side a free kick, the resulting free was fired narrowly wide of the post from Matthew Harbourne. When the away side got forward they found the Rovers defence of Fionn O’Brien, Ben Free and Aaron Loughlin in no mood to be past as they mopped up every attack. Just before the break Greystones did breach the home defence but Aaron Lynch saved well down at his front post to send the game in scoreless at the interval. Rovers got off to a dream start thirty seconds into the second period when Conor Hunter picked the ball up out on the left, cut in and fired home to give his team the lead. From the restart Greystones poured forward but luckily for Rovers Daniel Dunne was on hand to clear the danger. In the twenty sixth minute Cathal O’Brien and Paul Haskins combined to set Conor Hunter away but his shot was well saved by the Greystones keeper. Midway through the second half Ben Free prevented the away side equalising when he intercepted a through ball just when Greystones looked like they would get in on goal. In the thirty first minute Kieran Fitzpatrick laid the ball into Finn Egan Barron who in turn found Conor Hunter who coolly sloted the ball past the advancing keeper to make it 2-0. With five minutes left on the clock Aaron Lynch made a fantastic save to preserve his clean sheet. Rovers broke up field and won a free on the edge of the area, the resulting free was thundered home by Conor Hunter to give Rovers their third goal and complete an excellent hat-trick for Conor. With time almost up Finn Egan Barron made a solo run down the right, he cut in beating two players and was unlucky to see his shot sneak past the far post.SQUAD: Aaron Lynch, Fionn O’Brien, Aaron Loughlin, Ben Free, Cathal O’Brien, Matthew Harbourne, Ryan Kavanagh, Daniel Dunne, Paul Haskins, Conor Hunter, Finn Egan Barron, Kieran Fitzpatrick.

Date: 10th March 2012Comp: ShieldVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 11.00

Under 10 Premier ShieldWicklow Rovers A 0 Arklow Town A 2

This game pitched league winners Arklow Town against runners up Rovers at the Hockey pitch. Conditions were ideal for football, the home side had a great chance as early as the first minute, Nathan O’Sullivan played a delightful through ball which Frankie Reynolds got on the end off but he was denied by the advancing keeper. This proved to be the only chance the home team had in the first half as the away side piled on the pressure. In the third minute Arklow fired narrowly wide and from then to the half time whistle Rovers goalkeeper Liam Connolly put on a one man show of defiance to keep Arklow at bay. On five minutes he tipped a fierce drive over the bar, two minutes later he saved down low at his near post. In the nineth minute the Rovers keeper yet again came to his teams rescue when he bravely dived at the Arklow striker’s feet to deny them the lead. Midway through the half the keeper could do nothing about the goal which gave Arklow the lead, a thunderous effort into the top right hand corner of the net. Straight after the goal the away side came close to increasing their lead but they found that man Liam Connolly again in their way with a brilliant save to turn the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner was cleared by Jamie Noble. Just on the stroke of half time Daniel Murphy denied the away side a clear cut chance when he put in a last ditch challenge, Rovers went into the break 1-0 down but the feature of the first half had to be the outstanding performance of Rovers keeper Liam Connolly who was excellent between the posts. If the first half was one way traffic the second was a more even affair with both teams creating chances. Three minutes into the second half Paul Marah fired across the face of goal which just went passed the far post. Arklow broke down field and that man Liam Connolly again denied Arklow when he saved and held onto a long range effort. Rovers were now pushing forward in search of an equaliser and in the space of two minutes midway through the half Paul Marah went close, first he latched onto a kick out and saw his effort tipped onto the post by the Arklow keeper and then his half volley was saved well by the keeper. With three minutes left on the clock Arklow broke away down the right, the Arklow player found his team mate just inside the Rovers area who in turn fired a shot towards the bottom corner of the Rovers goal but just when a certain goal looked on the cards man of the match Liam Connolly yet again pulled off a magnificent save to tip the ball at full stretch around the post, this save was out of the top drawer. Arklow scored from the resulting corner which was very harsh on the Rovers team who were more than equal to the league champions in the second half. In the last minute Frankie Reynolds controlled the ball inside the Arklow area, beat the defender only for his goal bound shot to be saved by the keeper. This was a good battling team performance by a much smaller Rovers team especially on their second half performance where they were more than a match for the league winners. Liam Connolly in the Rovers goal put on a display of excellent goalkeeping making some fantastic saves none more so than the save at the end of the game when I think everyone in the ground thought the ball was going to nestle in the bottom corner.SQUAD: Liam Connolly, Daniel Murphy, Jamie Noble, Craig Anderson, Ben Hudson, Nathan O’Sullivan, Frankie Reynolds, Paul Marah, Josh Watson, Brandon O’Brien.

The first game of the season pitched last years champions Newtown against runners up Wicklow Rovers. In what was a game that swung from end to end from two committed teams, it was Rovers who created the first opening. After five minutes Alan Power went close but was denied by the home keeper. Five minutes later Rovers were attacking but the move broke down and Newtown attacked at pace and Daragh Hosey in the Rovers goal came to his team’s rescue with a fine save. Midway through the half Newtown broke the deadlock with a raid down the left and the cross was finished to the net. Rovers battled back and on thirty minutes they were level, the very impressive Alan Power received the ball out wide from Glen McCarthy, he raced down the wing and squared the ball to Kieran Bloomfield who dinked the ball over the advancing to make it 1-1. With the game in the dying seconds of the first half Newtown went back in front when hesitation in the Rovers defence let Newtown in to score to go in 2-1 up at the break. The second half started scrappy and both teams were struggling to create a clear cut opening. Rory O’Kelly and Mark Egan were solid at the heart of the Rovers defence while Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy were working hard in the middle of the park. As the second half settled down the lively Alan Power was causing the home defence problems down the right. On fifty five minutes Aaron Meade through himself in front of a Newtown attacker to block what looked a certain goal. In the sixty third minute substitute Peter Thornton put Kieran Bloomfield in but his effort came back of the crossbar but the alert Glen McCarthy was first to react to head home the equaliser. Both sides were going for the winner and both keepers were called on to make crucial saves to keep the game all square. On two occasions Daragh Hosey punched the ball clear from under his crossbar when under pressure. At the other end the Newtown keeper saved well, firstly from Kieran Bloomfield and then down at his near post from Liam Kavanagh. With the match in injury time and seemingly heading for a draw Rovers attacked down the right, Alan Power and Brendan Hawes combined with the ball been scrambled clear to the edge of the area, Kieran Bloomfield took the ball down and fired home a cracker from twenty yards to put Rovers 3-2 up. Newtown had time for one last attack but it was Rory O’Kelly and Mark Egan who combined to clear their lines and Rovers saw out time to secure an excellent three points.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Ronan Manley, Aaron Meade, Rory O’Kelly, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, James Nolan, Craig Waldron, Peter Thornton, Timmy Doherty, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 1/10/11Comp: LeagueVenue: WoodlandsKick Off: 11.30

Under 15 Premier DivisionGreystones Utd A 1 Wicklow Rovers A 4

This game got off to a fantastic start, straight from the tip off Rovers attacked down the right with Alan Power, he cut inside and his effort was turned around the post for a corner. Kieran Bloomfield swung in the corner and the perfect cross was met by the perfect header from Liam Kavanagh to score to give Rovers the lead. The lead wasn’t to last long as the home side immediately drew level from the restart. After eight minutes Kieran Bloomfield shot narrowly wide from a Darragh O’Connor cross. On fifteen minutes Alan Power worked his way in to the area only for the keeper to save. A minute later Glen McCarthy and Liam Kavanagh combined to put in Alan Power but yet again the keeper saved well. The keeper had no chance on twenty minutes, Ronan Manley played the ball to Kieran Bloomfield out wide, he in turn squared the ball across the edge of the eighteen yard box to the incoming Glen McCarthy who fired an unstoppable shot past the keeper to restore the lead. On twenty six minutes Liam Kavanagh went close to increasing the lead but his shot just shaved the upright. Just on the stroke of half time scored to send Rovers in at the break 3-1 up. Ten minutes after the restart a flowing move started at left full when Aaron Meade found Liam Kavanagh in the middle who in turn passed to Stephen McElligott-Ryan out wide on the left, Stephen went passed the Greystones defender and squared to Darragh O’Connor who slotted home to make it 4-1. A couple minutes Rovers were reduced to ten men but this seem to spur them on as they played some great football and were unlucky not to score on several occasions. Liam Kavanagh went close on two occasions, one was a free kick which was cleared off the line. Stephen McElligott-Ryan had an effort saved while Alan Power, Glen McCarthy and Peter Thornton all were unlucky with efforts. In the last minute Liam Kavanagh burst through the Greystones defence and his well struck shot came back of the base of the upright.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Ronan Manley, Conor Moore, Rory O’Kelly, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, Aaron Meade, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Peter Thornton, Craig Waldron, Timmy Doherty, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 15/10/11Comp: Evans CupVenue: Paddy Maloney ParkKick Off: 11.00

Evans Cup 2nd RoundEdenderry Town A 4 Wicklow Rovers A 8

This was a game that rained goals from the first minute to the end. Rovers set out their stall as early as the second minute when a one-two involving Kieran Bloomfield and Stephen McElligott-Ryan set up Darragh O’Connor whose shot went narrowly wide. A minute later Liam Kavanagh put Stephen McElligott-Ryan away on the left, he went past the full back and slotted the ball home to take the lead. A Kieran Bloomfield free grazed the crossbar on eight minutes. Two minutes later Edenderry levelled the game when the ball was bundled over the line from a corner. On twelve minutes Rovers restored their lead, Aaron Meade found Stephen McElligott-Ryan who wrong footed the home defence to send Glen McCarthy in on the left, his square ball found the incoming Alan Power to rifle home to make it 2-1. Midway through the half Edenderry equalised when they took advantage of a moments hesitation in the Rovers defence to square the game at 2-2. Rovers didn’t waste any time going back in front, from the restart a flowing move involving Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Kieran Bloomfield and Stephen McElligott-Ryan was finished to the net by Darragh O’Connor for a 3-2 lead. Ten minutes before the break the home side scored again to make it 3-3. The game was end to end and every time the teams attacked they looked like scoring. In the thirty third minute some good work from Peter Thornton on the right earned his team a corner, the resulting Kieran Bloomfield corner was met by the head of Liam Kavanagh to power home for a 4-3 lead but for the fourth time in the first half Rovers were unable to hold on to their lead as just on the stroke of half time Edenderry got their fourth to send the match in level at 4-4 at the break. In the first minute of the second period Glen McCarthy was unlucky to see his header from an Alan Power cross go just over. On forty five minutes Liam Kavanagh sprayed the ball out wide to Alan Power whose inch perfect cross was fired home by Kieran Bloomfield to make it 5-4. Rovers had tightened up at the back with Aaron Meade and Craig Waldron cutting out two dangerous attacks. Rovers were steadily gaining control of the game with constant attacks on both wings with Lee Boylan and Alan Power causing problems to the home defence. Kieran Bloomfield, Glen McCarthy and Stephen McElligott-Ryan all went close to increasing the lead for Rovers. On fifty five minutes Kieran Bloomfield and Ronan Manley combined to put in Alan Power, he squared the ball into the box which was superbly dummied by Stephen McElligott-Ryan to leave Glen McCarthy the room to slot the ball home to make it 6-4 and the first time there was two goals between the teams. At this stage Rovers were in total control and they poured forward in search of more goals and they were rewarded on seventy minutes when Glen McCarthy scored his second and Rovers seventh from an Alan Power corner. They added an eighth goal in the dying seconds when a four man move involving Timmy Doherty, Glen McCarthy and Alan Power ended with Liam Kavanagh volleying in to make it 8-4.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Peter Thornton, Aaron Meade, Rory O’Kelly, Ronan Manley, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, Craig Waldron, Lee Boylan, Conor Moore, Mark Egan, Timmy Doherty, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 5/11/11Venue: WhitegatesComp: National CupKick Off: 12.00

Under 15 National Cup 3rd RoundWicklow Rovers A 3 Arlington AFC 5

This was a very competitive game between two evenly matched teams. The away side were first to threaten as early as the second minute when they fired narrowly wide. Two minutes later Rory O’Kelly intercepted when a certain goal looked on the cards. On ten minutes Arlington went in front with a well taken goal. On nineteen minutes the away side increased their lead with a volley to go two up. This seem to wake up the home team as they then put Arlington under a bit of pressure. On twenty two minutes Kieran Bloomfield stole the ball from an Arlington defender and put in Darragh O’Connor who slotted home to make it 2-1. Four minutes later Kieran Bloomfield thundered a free kick against the crossbar. On thirty minutes Alan Power played in Stephen McElligott-Ryan who was foiled by the keeper. Glen McCarthy went close with a header after thirty seven minutes but two minutes later Glen made no mistake when he got on the end of a Kieran Bloomfield cross ball to head past the advancing keeper to square the match at 2-2. The second half was end to end, first Daragh Hosey was called on to save well, then Alan Power was denied by the away keeper. Midway through the half Kieran Bloomfield’s well struck shot was turned away by the keeper. A move involving Liam Kavanagh, Stephen McElligott-Ryan and Craig Waldron ended with Lee Boylan firing just wide. With ten minutes remaining Arlington went in front, as Rovers pushed forward looking for the equaliser they got caught on the break as the away side scored twice in as many minutes. With four minutes left Kieran Bloomfield headed in a powerful header from an Alan Power cross to make it 5-3. This was a very competitive encounter played in a great spirit by both teams and could have went either way.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Ronan Manley, Aaron Meade, Rory O’Kelly, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, Lee Boylan, Craig Waldron, Peter Thornton, Timmy Doherty, James Nolan.

Date: 19/11/11Comp: LeagueVenue: Rocky RoadKick Off: 12.00

Under 15 Premier DivisionWicklow Rovers A 7 Greystones United A 0

Rovers came fast out of the blocks, they put the visitors under severe pressure and and went close on several occasions. Kieran Bloomfield, Liam Kavanagh, Lee Boylan, Stephen McElligott-Ryan and Glen McCarthy all went close. When Greystones occasionally broke upfield they were denied by good defending from Ronan Manley and Mark Egan while Daragh Hosey saved well at his near post. In the fifteenth minute James Nolan got in on goal but was denied by a last ditch challenge. On twenty minutes a long ball to James Nolan who held the ball up well and laid it off to Glen McCarthy who found Kieran Bloomfield wide on the left who fired into the top corner for the lead. This seem to open the floodgates and five minutes later it was 2-0, Stephen McElligott-Ryan combined with Kieran Bloomfield to set up Liam Kavanagh who rifled home from twenty yards. Just before the break they went three up, Peter Thornton passed to Stephen McElligott-Ryan who found Glen McCarthy who put a neat pass into Kieran Bloomfield in to finish off for a half time score of 3-0. In the first ten minutes of the second period Rovers could have increased their lead on two occasions, both times Kieran Bloomfield found himself with the keeper to beat but saw both his efforts rattle the woodwork. On fifty two minutes Rory O’Kelly cleared to Stephen McElligott-Ryan out on the left, he played a one two with Glen McCarthy to set up Liam Kavanagh on the edge of the area to thunder home his sides fourth. A minute later Rovers were awarded a free just outside the area, Liam Kavanagh stepped up to fire home an unstoppable shot to complete an excellent hat-trick and to make it 5-0. Midway through the half it was Stephen McElligott-Ryan’s turn to take centre stage, he fired home his sides sixth from twenty yards and then added another with ten minutes remaining to make it 7-0. Aaron Meade, Darragh O’Connor and Conor Moore all went close to extending their team’s lead. When Greystones looked like they were going to get a consolation Alan Power and Craig Waldron combined to prevent them scoring. SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Ronan Manley, Peter Thornton, Mark Egan, Rory O’Kelly, Lee Boylan, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Conor Moore, Alan Power, Aaron Meade, Craig Waldron, Timmy Doherty.

Date: 10/12/11Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 12.00

Under 15 Premier DivisionWicklow Rovers A 3 Newtown Juniors 0

Rovers came out of the blocks fast in this game, inside the first five minutes they went close on two occasions, first Liam Kavanagh played a one two with Lee Boylan and then fired just over the bar while Stephen McElligott-Ryan fizzed a shot narrowly wide. On seventeen minutes James Nolan got on the end of a Stephen McElligott-Ryan cross but saw his hooked shot well saved by the keeper. Newtown broke up field but a combination of good defending from Mark Egan and Rory O’Kelly prevented the away side from breaching the defence. Kieran Bloomfield went close with a shot on twenty minutes which the keeper saved. The away side went close a minute later but Aaron Meade was on hand to clear. In the thirty third minute James Nolan went close again when his shot went just over. James Nolan was denied again just on the stroke of half time when his effort was turned away by the keeper to send the match in scoreless at the break. The first ten minutes of the second period saw both teams cancel each other out. As the game wore on the home side started to get on top, Stephen McElligott-Ryan and Glen McCarthy combined to put Darragh O’Connor through on goal only to lift his shot over. On fifteen minutes Darragh O’Connor played the ball back to the impressive Liam Kavanagh who in turn played the ball out to Glen McCarthy, he cut in and fired a shot on goal which the keeper saved but the alert Stephen McElligott-Ryan slid in to finish the ball into the back of the net for the lead. Newtown went close on eighteen minutes when their goal bound shot looked to be a certain goal but Alan Power popped up to clear off the line. This seemed to spur Rovers on and they went in search of a second goal, on twenty five minutes Lee Boylan saw his well struck effort turned away for a corner. From the resulting Alan Power corner Glen McCarthy met the ball with a glancing header to score and make it 2-0. After twenty nine minutes the ever busy Stephen McElligott-Ryan fired over. Newtown pushed forward in search of a goal that would put them back in the match but they found the rear guard of Brendan Hawes, Alan Power, Mark Egan, Aaron Meade and Rory O’Kelly in no mood to be passed. With time running out it was fitting that the hard working quartet of Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy and Lee Boylan in the centre of the park combined and the move was finished off by Stephen McElligott-Ryan for a well deserved second goal for Stephen and third for Rovers to finish the game off.SQUAD: Brendan Hawes, Alan Power, Aaron Meade, Mark Egan, Rory O’Kelly, Lee Boylan, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Conor Moore, Peter Thornton, Craig Waldron, Timmy Doherty.

Match Reports 2012/13 Season

Comp: LeagueDate: 19/8/12Venue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Leinster Senior Division 1BWicklow Rovers A 2 Skerries Town 1

The lads started life in the intermediate grade with a win, with a narrow 2-1 victory over Skerries Town. They got off to the perfect start when after five minutes Luke Byrne thundered home a free kick from the edge of the area which gave the Skerries keeper no chance. In the seventh minute Rovers keeper Lar Newsome saved well down low and done well to hold on to a powerful drive. Mark O’Sullivan was put through on thirty one minutes but his effort was turned away by the keeper. Skerries had a goal disallowed after thirty three minutes for offside. The only other chance of note in the first half fell to Mark O’Sullivan ten minutes before the break only for him to blast over. The second half was more of the same with neither side taking control of the game, Stephen Earls, Stephen Moran, Ricky Quinn and Paul Alexander were solid in the Rovers defence not allowing their opponents to create any clear cut openings. In the sixty seventh minute the best move of the game involving Mark O’Sullivan, Gareth Murphy and Luke Byrne set up substitute Paul O’Neill to slot home to double their lead. Four minutes later the away side were back in the game when they scored a soft goal, a cross from the right wing some how found its way into the bottom left hand corner of the net. With eight minutes remaining Darren Nolan, Mark Johnson and Luke Byrne all combined to set up Paul O’Neill whose effort was saved by the keeper. The lads made hard work of a game where if they had played anywhere near their normal standard they would have won more comfortable. Take into account of the patchy performance and also two red cards in the closing stages of the game this was probably a good three points to start the season.TEAM: Lar Newsome, Stephen Earls, Stephen Moran, Ricky Quinn, Paul Alexander, Greg Dunne, Liam Bacon, Gareth Murphy, Mark O’Sullivan, Luke Byrne, Ian Brannigan. Substitutes: David Rowan, Arthur Delahunt, Joe Quinn, Mark Johnson, Paul O’Neill, Darren Nolan.

Comp: LeagueDate: 26/8/12Venue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Leinster Senior Division 1BWicklow Rovers A 3 Parkvilla 0

It was a cagey start to this game with both sides not over committing men forward, the first chance came to the home side on the tenth minute when Shane Cassidy flashed a header just over. Five minutes later Stephen Earls unleashed a shot which went narrowly past the post. Parkvilla came more into the game and on twenty minutes Shane Cassidy prevented the away side getting in on goal with a timely challenge. Rovers broke up field with a Luke Byrne shot bringing a good save from the Parkvilla keeper. With thirty minutes gone Rovers won a corner, Maurice Dunne swung the corner over with the impressive Shane Cassidy thundering a header into the top corner of the net to give Rovers the lead. With the clock ticking towards half time Rovers were a bit fortunate to be still in front, Parkvilla had three good chances to equalise, first they shot wide, then Lar Newsome came to Rovers rescue with an excellent save, on the third occasion it was Shane Cassidy who made a last ditch tackle. A minute after the break the home side should have increased their lead, Paul O’Neill back heeled the ball into the path of Maurice Dunne whose rising shot rebounded off the crossbar. Up the other end Lar Newsome and Ricky Quinn combined to prevent the Parkvilla number ten from equalising. The second half saw Parkvilla have a lot of possession without creating many clear cut openings. With seventeen minutes left Rovers won a free on the edge of the area, the resulting free was curled just past the far upright. In the seventy fifth minute Paul O’Neill made a nuisance of himself when he put the keeper under pressure from a back pass, he robbed the ball and took it around the keeper only to be pulled down just as he was about to tap the ball into an empty net. The keeper can count himself lucky to remain on the pitch but justice was done when Ian Brannigan powerfully smashed the resulting spot kick home to make it 2-0. With the clock ticking towards full time the best move of the game resulted in Rovers scoring their third goal, Stephen Earls, Gareth Murphy, Greg Dunne, Darren Nolan and Paul O’Neill were all involved in the move that set Luke Byrne clear who rounded the advancing keeper and slotted home. Shane Cassidy and Ricky Quinn were impressive in a good team performance.TEAM: Lar Newsome, Stephen Earls, Ian Brannigan, Ricky Quinn, Shane Cassidy, Mark O’Sullivan, Greg Dunne, Andy Broe, Paul O’Neill, Luke Byrne, Maurice Dunne. SUBS: Gareth Murphy, Mark Johnson, Darren Nolan, Paul Alexander, Arthur Delahunt, Stephen Moran, Joe Quinn.

Date: 9/9/12Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Leinster Senior League Division 1BWicklow Rovers A 1 St Mochtas FC 1

Rovers got off to a dream start in this game, there was barely two minutes gone on the clock when Stephen Earls found Luke Byrne out wide on the right, he cut in and unleashed a shot past the Mochtas keeper to give the home side the best possible start. The game proved to be a tight affair with the next chance of note coming in the eighteenth minute, the away side nearly drew level but Lar Newsome saved well. Rovers broke upfield with Darren Nolan laying the ball off to Luke Byrne who dragged the ball wide. On the half hour St Mochtas were awarded a harsh free on the edge of the area, the resulting kick took a wicked deflection off the wall and completely wrong footed the Rovers keeper for the equaliser. Five minutes before the break the home side should have went back in front, Luke Byrne rounded the last defender and then the keeper and with an empty goal in front of him he hesitated and this was enough for the defender to get back to block. In the following few seconds the referee dismissed one of the Mochtas players for what appeared to be dissent. The second half saw Rovers have more of the possession but they struggled to break down their opponents stubborn defence. Shane Cassidy fired narrowly past the post and then midway through the half he met Luke Byrne’s corner with a powerful header only to be blocked by a defender. Apart from these two efforts the away keeper was never called on through out the half and the ten men of St Mochtas comfortably saw out the game for a share of the spoils which they were more than happy with after playing for fifty minutes with ten men. Rovers were disappointed with the result and at times were inclined to over play the ball when wide players were finding good positions but were frustrated not to receive that final pass. Shane Cassidy and Ricky Quinn gave their usual commanding performance in a solid defence.TEAM: Lar Newsome, Stephen Earls, Ian Brannigan, Ricky Quinn, Shane Cassidy, Mark Johnson, Greg Dunne, Gareth Murphy, Darren Nolan, Luke Byrne, Mark O’Sullivan. SUBS: Paul Alexander, Stephen Moran, Darragh O’Donnell, Andy Broe, Liam Bacon.

Rovers travelled to take on Pegasus/St James Athletic in the first round of the FAI Intermediate cup on Sunday morning, this was always going to be a tough encounter as their opponents play in a higher division and are unbeaten so far this season. The lads put in a good team effort against their higher ranked opposition and with better finishing on the day they could have sprung an upset. They had several good chances with three one on ones with the keeper but failed to take them. Their goal came from a Maurice Dunne corner which was met by the head of Joe Quinn, the breaking ball was picked up by Darren Nolan who showed great composure to round the defender and blast the ball home. Rovers conceded two soft goals and they know themselves this was probably a missed opportunity. Jamie Snell was Rovers man of the match on his debut, Joe Quinn, Mark O’Sullivan, Maurice Dunne and Luke Byrne all played well in a good team performance.

Date: 14/10/12Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Leinster Senior Division 1BWicklow Rovers 2 Portmarnock 3

The first team fell to a defeat at the hands of north Dublin side and former FAI Junior cup winners Portmarnock. The team unfortunately continued the pattern established in recent games by making all the running throughout the game but being punished severely for defensive lapses.Rovers started off in fine fashion, pushing forward with Luke Byrne and Maurice Dunne to the fore, the dangerous duo were giving the Portmarnock defence a torrid time. They combined to help open the scoring in the first quarter. A good combination between the two led to Mark O’Sullivan breaking through on the edge of the box and finishing expertly. At that point it looked like Rovers would comfortably win, however rather than pushing on they began to drop deep and invite pressure. This pressure led to a Portmarnock equalizer midway through the first half. Slack marking from a corner allowed the Portmarnock player to power a header home leaving Arthur Delahunt in the Rovers goal with no chance.This spurred the team back into life and they began attacking at will again. Once more Maurice Dunne and Luke Byrne combined with Dunne’s through ball leading to Byrne rounding the keeper before being downed in the penalty box. The resultant penalty was excellently dispatched by Dunne leaving Rovers 2-1 ahead at the break. The second half began with both sides evenly matched. However Rovers again began inviting pressure and were punished midway through the second half. A hotly disputed free kick on the edge of the box was sent in low evading the Rovers cover and half volleyed by the Portmarnock centre forward. Rovers keeper Arthur Delahunt pulled of a magnificent save to deny him, unfortunately the rebound was prodded home by a Portmarnock player to draw the game level. With the game on a knife edge Rovers were dealt another blow when Portmarnock took the lead with 20 minutes remaining. With Rovers on the attack Luke Byrne was hauled down in midfield, while the players waited for a whistle that never came, Portmarnock broke in numbers and their right winger found himself in space on the edge of the box and easily dispatched what would prove to be the winner.Rovers fought on gamely until the end with Maurice Dunne going close on two occasions, once with a driven effort which brought an excellent clawing save preventing the ball from reaching the top corner and also with a point blank header which appeared to catch him unsighted.Despite the disappointing result there were bright spots for Rovers, Stephen Moran had his best game in a green shirt this season at left back and Jamie Snell made an impressive home debut at right back. Luke Byrne and Maurice Dunne’s partnership up front is shaping up nicely and is likely to yield plentiful goals for both players this season. Rovers also had the mitigating factor of being struck with untimely injury woes to a number of players. Stephen Earls failed a late fitness test while Mark Johnson was only fit enough to make a cameo appearance, coupled with the loss of Andy Broe to emigration and the loss of Gareth Murphy on Saturday night due to a bereavement in the family it meant Rovers were down to the bare bones but with a full panel, they will only get stronger as the season continues.

Date: 28/10/12Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.00 pm

Leinster Senior Division 1BWicklow Rovers 1 Templeogue United 2

Rovers went into this game looking to put an end to a bad run which has seen them lose their last three games, on two minutes they had Lar Newsome to thank for preventing the away side taking an early lead, he had to be alert to react to save at point blank range. Rovers first chance of note came in the twelfth minute when Ian Brannigan sprayed a cross field pass to Mark O’Sullivan whose effort went narrowly wide. Rovers took control in the middle of the park with Greg Dunne and Darren Nolan breaking up a lot of the Templeogue attacks while been the springboard for Rovers forward play. The first half saw most of the play towards the away goal with Rovers probing. On the half hour mark the best move of the match saw Darren Nolan, Greg Dunne, Maurice Dunne and Mark O’Sullivan all combine but the keeper was equal to save well. In the thirty fifth minute Darren Nolan controlled the ball on the edge of the area and fired in a powerful half volley which had goal all over it only for the Templeogue keeper to somehow get a hand to the ball to turn it out for a corner. Three minutes later Rovers went in front and it was no more than they deserved, Ian Brannigan slipped the ball to Ricki Quinn who in turn found Jamie Snell out wide on the right who completed the move with a defence splitting pass to Maurice Dunne who placed the ball past the advancing keeper to give Rovers the lead. The away side had a great chance in injury time to draw level but the shot was straight at Lar Newsome in the Rovers goal. If Rovers were the better side in the first half, the second half was a totally different story. The home team seem to let the visitors dictate the play and they could have been on level terms as early as the first minute of the second period when an effort was deflected off the post and out for a corner. The away side continued to push Rovers back without really testing Lar Newsome in the home goal, Paul Alexander and Ricki Quinn were solid in an over worked defence. The turning point of the match came at the midway point of the half when Rovers Luke Byrne was given a second yellow card followed by red for apparently something he said to the official. Things went from bad to worse on thirty two minutes when a Templeogue cross ball was deflected into the net off a Rovers defender for a deserved equaliser for the away team. Worse was to follow when a minute later the away side scored again to take the lead and leave Wicklow shell shocked. Rovers huffed and puffed but never really threatened the Templeogue keeper with the only chance of note in the whole forty five minutes of the second period falling to Paul O’Neill in injury time but his effort was saved by the away keeper. Rovers have now lost their last three league games, all at home. What they need now is to put a bit of run together to try get themselves up the table and away from the bottom end but they will have to step up on this performance. On the day Paul Alexander and Ricki Quinn were solid in the centre of the defence while Greg Dunne and Darren Nolan dictated the midfield in the first period. TEAM: Lar Newsome, Jamie Snell, Ian Brannigan, Ricki Quinn, Paul Alexander, Mark O’Sullivan, Greg Dunne, Darren Nolan, Darragh O’Donnell, Luke Byrne, Maurice Dunne. SUBS: Paul O’Neill, Gareth Murphy, Stephen Earls, Arthur Delahunt.

Date: 13/1/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.00 pm

Leinster Senior Division 1BWicklow Rovers 2 St James Gate 1

Rovers went into this game hoping to continue where they left off before the Christmas break, the game was slow to get going with a lot of the play around the middle third of the park and neither defence really been threatened. The first chance of note came after thirteen minutes when Tommy Kelly latched onto a through ball only to see his goal bound shot turned onto the post and out for a corner by the away keeper. The resulting corner saw a Sean Duffy header bring the best out of the keeper again to keep the game scoreless. It was another ten minutes before either side created an opening and it was the home side again who went close, Stephen Earls whipped over a cross from the right which found the head of Sean Duffy who did everything right with a powerful header downwards into the bottom right hand corner but yet again the keeper was equal to it with an excellent save to claw the ball away. Rovers were controlling the game for large spells and their forward play was rewarded five minutes before the interval, Luke Byrne cut in from the left and unleashed a shot which the keeper parried out to his right but Tommy Kelly was on hand to coolly slot the ball home from an acute angle to give Rovers a deserved lead which they held on to till the break. The restart saw Rovers push forward in search of a second to put a bit of daylight between them and their opponents and that’s exactly what they achieved in the fifty fifth minute, it was a carbon copy of the first goal, a short corner from Greg Dunne found Luke Byrne on the right, he cut infield and let fly at goal only for the keeper to push the ball away but as with the first goal Tommy Kelly was first to react to the loose ball to fire in his second to make it 2-0. They say 2-0 is a dangerous lead in football and this proved to be the case in this game, Rovers went from been 2-0 up and in total control of the game to conceding one after sixty one minutes to bring the Gate back into the game. Rovers surrendered their control of the game and play became scrappy. The away side were on the front foot but found Rovers hard to break down. With ten minutes left on the clock Tommy Kelly controlled the ball on his chest with his back to goal, he swivelled and hit a half volley which went narrowly wide. Rovers saw out the remaining ten minutes to claim all three points in their quest to pull away from the bottom end of the table. Stephen Earls , Ricki Quinn, Jamie Snell all remained calm when the pressure was on while Tommy Kelly was a handful up front for the away defence.TEAM: Simon Alexander, Stephen Earls, Ian Brannigan, Jamie Snell, Ricki Quinn, Greg Dunne, Mark Johnson, Anthony Doran, Tommy Kelly, Luke Byrne, Sean Duffy. SUBS: Paul Alexander, Mark O’Sullivan, Stephen Moran.

Date: 31/3/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 11.00 am

Leinster Senior Division 1BWicklow Rovers A 2 Kilnamanagh FC 0

Rovers went into this game full of confidence on the back of their cup success against league leaders Greystones United in their last game. They welcomed fourth placed Kilnamanagh FC to the Whitegates on Sunday morning knowing how important three points would be to their quest to pull away from the bottom end of the table. Even though their squad was depleted for one reason or another it was Rovers who made the early running putting the visitors under pressure, their early control of the game was rewarded after twelve minutes when they won a free kick on the edge of the area wide out on the left. Mark O’Sullivan swung over the resulting free and was headed home by the incoming Jamie Snell for his first goal of the season to give Rovers the lead. The remainder of the half was fairly even with both sides creating half chances, Paul Alexander came to Rovers rescue on twenty minutes when he threw his body in the way of the Kilnamanagh number nine just as he was about to pull the trigger to divert the ball away from danger. The game petered out to half time with neither keeper been extended and Rovers keeping their one goal lead intact. The second half saw Kilnamanagh force the early play and Robert Hollingsworth in the Rovers goal had to be alert to save well on fifty five minutes. A minute later Stephen Earls raided down the right wing, his cross was met be Sean Tobin who fired his first time shot narrowly wide of the right hand post. Midway through the half Gareth Murphy fed in Ricki Quinn who saw his effort blocked by the away keeper, Ricki Quinn picked up the rebound and was denied for a second time when his goal bound shot was cleared off the line by a covering defender. The away side broke upfield and went close only for the Kilnamanagh player to slice his shot wide. On seventy five minutes a move involving Mark Johnson, Gareth Murphy and Steven Moran ended with Steven Moran slotting just wide. Kilnamanagh probed and probed looking for an equaliser but they found the Rovers defence of the excellent Paul Alexander, Jamie Snell, Ian Brannigan and Stephen Earls in no mood to be breached. When they did find a way past the defence the impressive Robert Hollingsworth was on hand to save the day and that’s exactly what he did with six minutes remaining when he made two fantastic saves in the space of a minute. With five minutes left on the clock Ricki Quinn, Sean Tobin and Gareth Murphy all combined to set up substitute Joe Quinn who rifled to the back of the net from just inside the area for the insurance goal. In the last minute it could have been even better, Sean Tobin raced onto a through ball and his attempted lob over the keeper was wide of the target. Rovers ran out a well deserved 2-0 winners to gain three crucial points. On the day Robert Hollingsworth in the Rovers goal was outstanding when called on, Paul Alexander excellently marshalled a well discipline defence, Jamie Snell capped a solid performance with his first goal of the campaign early in the match to settle the nerves while Ricki Quinn and Mark O’Sullivan put in good shifts in the middle of the park.SQUAD: Robert Hollingsworth, Stephen Earls, Ian Brannigan, Jamie Snell, Paul Alexander, Mark O’Sullivan, Steven Moran, Mark Johnson, Ricki Quinn, Sean Tobin, Gareth Murphy, Greg Dunne, Joe Quinn.

Comp: LeagueDate: 25/8/12Venue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Leinster Senior Major 1CWicklow Rovers B 3 Rush Athletic 0

Rovers second string played their first home game of the season in the Whitegates last Saturday when they entertained Rush Athletic. They were quick out of the traps when a long through ball from Karl Earls found Conor Tobin who hooked his effort just wide. Shortly afterwards Rovers should have gone in front when Jay Waters and Sean Tobin combined to set up Jim Foley whose shot was saved by the away keeper. The home side stepped up a gear and always looked the more likely team to break the deadlock and on thirty eight minutes that’s exactly what happened, Jim Foley cut in from the wing and his cross was met by Darren Pierce whose diving header nestled in the back of the net to put Rovers one up. Five minutes into the second period Rush had what proved to be their best chance of the game but they were denied by Stephen Tennant who got back to clear off the line when a certain goal looked on the cards. On fifty five minutes Karl Earls went close when his cross evaded everyone and drifted just over. Rovers were now in total control of the game, Darren Pierce fired in an effort from the edge of the area only for the keeper to turn the ball around the post. With ten minutes remaining they sealed the game, Stephen Tennant through ball saw Sean Tobin win the race with the keeper to square the ball for Ciaran McGettigan to slot the ball home to give Rovers some breathing space. The Rovers defence of Karl Earls, David Rowan, Stephen Tennant and Aaron O’Sullivan were solid through out and made sure Lee Fitzpatrick in the Rovers goal had a quiet afternoon. With three minutes left on the clock an Aaron O’Sullivan corner was finished off by David Rowan for a 3-0 victory. This win gives them four points from their first two games after securing a point in a 1-1 draw away to one of the title favourites Greystones Utd in a midweek game.TEAM: Lee Fitzpatrick, Karl Earls, Aaron O’Sullivan, David Rowan, Stephen Tennant, Karl Connolly, Jim Foley, Anthony Doran, Jason Waters, Sean Tobin, Conor Tobin. SUBS: Darren Pierce,Ciaran McGettigan, Jack Nother, Neil Doyle, Paddy Clarke.

Date: 8/9/12Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Leinster Senior Saturday Major 1CWicklow Rovers B 2 St John Bosco 4

Rovers suffered their first defeat of the season at The Whitegates on Saturday afternoon and they had no one to blame but themselves, leading 2-1 with fifteen minutes remaining they conceded three goals in those last fifteen minutes, two of which were very soft. The first half was a scrappy affair with the away side probably shading it. On eight minutes Lee Fitzpatrick clawed away an effort and soon after he was called on again to save to keep the game at 0-0. With Rovers not creating anything going forward it was the away team who looked the most likely to score, after twenty minutes a long hopeful shot some how found its way through a crowded area and into the net to give the Dublin side the lead. Rovers huffed and puffed but the only chance of note in the first thirty minutes was a Mark Delaney header which the keeper saved. Rovers did equalise when Neil Doyle was rewarded for his persistence to slam the ball home. The second half saw Rovers step their game up and they took control of the match, straight from the restart Sean Tobin and Jim Foley combined but were denied by some desperate defending. Sean Tobin was causing all sorts of problems down the right, after a good solo run he unleashed a left footed effort which was well saved. In the fifty third minute the same player again was denied by the away keeper. The second goal was always on the cards and in the fifty sixth minute Jim Foley and Sean Tobin tore the St John Bosco defence apart to square the ball to the incoming Ciaran McGettigan who slotted home to give them a deserved lead. At this stage of the game there looked to be only one winner, Rovers were creating chance after chance but failed to take any and they were made to pay. With fifteen minutes left on the clock the away side equalised when Rovers failed to clear their lines. Disaster struck three minutes later when they conceded a soft goal to fall 3-2 behind. With ten minutes left Anthony Doran set Paddy Clarke away but his shot crept just the wrong side of the far post. Things got worse in the last minute when the home team conceded another sloppy goal. Sean Tobin was impressive for Rovers and at a time when he was causing all sorts of problems for their opponents he picked up an injury and had to be replaced. TEAM: Lee Fitzpatrick, Karl Earls, Aaron O’Sullivan, David Rowan, Stephen Tennant, Anthony Doran, Jim Foley, Mark Delaney, Jay Waters, Sean Tobin, Neil Doyle. SUBS: Ciaran McGettigan, Jack Nother, Paddy Clarke.

Date:22/9/12Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Leinster Senior Major 1C SaturdayWicklow Rovers B 3 Drumcondra 0

Both sides went into this match locked together in joint second place in the league along with three other sides, the away side came to the Whitegates unbeaten. It was the home side who started the best and totally controlled the first half. Rovers could have been two goals up in the first five minutes, first Jim Foley fired over and then Darren Pierce and Ciaran McGettigan combined to set up Sean Tobin whose shot went the wrong side of the upright. After twelve minutes Ciaran McGettigan put in some good work up the left and his cross was headed against the inside of the post by Jim Foley. Rovers went in front on eighteen minutes when Sean Tobin headed home a Jim Foley corner and it was no more than they deserved for their early dominance. A minute later Karl Earls after a great solo run on the right thundered a thirty yard effort against the crossbar. On the half hour mark Ciaran McGettigan laid the ball into the path of David Rowan whose shot sailed over. At this stage it was one way traffic with Rovers creating chance after chance, Anto Doran put Ciaran McGettigan away but his attempted lob was saved by the keeper, Jay Waters then struck the woodwork a couple of minutes before the break. The away teams first chance of note came on the stroke of half time when the Druncondra number nine fired wide from six yards. Two minutes into the second period Anto Doran sprayed a thirty yard pass to put Sean Tobin away but his rasping shot was parried by the keeper. The best move of the game saw Jack Nother, Sean Tobin, Jim Foley and Ciaran McGettigan set up Darren Pierce on the edge of the area but the keeper was equal to save. On the hour mark Mark Delaney smoothly took the ball out of defence and found Darren Pierce who in turn played in substitute Paddy Clarke who sweetly struck the ball past the advancing keeper to give Rovers a well deserved second goal. Ciaran McGettigan appeared to get his reward on seventy five minutes with a well taken score only for it to be harshly ruled out for offside. With five minutes left on the clock Paddy Clarke smashed an effort off the bar. With the last kick of the game Ciaran McGettigan got his just rewards when he got on the end of a Sean Tobin square ball to slide the ball home from six yards for his third goal of the season to make it 3-0. Rovers earned three well deserved points, the defence was solid through out with Mark Delaney and Davy Rowan superb in the centre, Anto Doran and Darren Pierce controlled the middle of the park with Jim Foley, Sean Tobin and Ciaran McGettigan been a constant threat in the final third. It was a good all round team performance and keeps them up with the early pace in the league. Everyone at Wicklow Rovers would like to wish Karl Earls a speedy recovery from an injury picked up in the game.TEAM: Lee Fitzpatrick, Karl Earls, Karl Connolly, David Rowan, Mark Delaney, Anthony Doran, Jay Waters, Darren Pierce, Sean Tobin, Jim Foley, Ciaran McGettigan. SUBS: Warren Gormley, Aaron O’Sullivan, Paddy Clarke, Jack Nother.

Date: 29/9/12Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 12.00 pm

Under 8 Gold LeagueWicklow Rovers B 1 Glencormac United 3

The away side were the quickest out of the traps and went close straight from the kick off shooting just wide, in the second minute Glencormac went in front with a well taken goal. Rovers produced a good flowing move after seven minutes, Jack Macklin, Tom Phelan, Tom Donoghue and Brian McCaul were all involved in a neat passing move which saw them stretch their opponents but couldn’t apply the finish. The away side broke upfield and Charlie Darcy was very brave saving at the strikers feet to prevent the away side increasing their lead. Daniel Kavanagh was getting through some sterling work in the Rovers midfield and he was unlucky not to draw his team level when his raising shot just cleared the bar. After twelve minutes Chalie Darcy in the Rovers goal came to his teams rescue with another excellent save. Three minutes before the break Jack Macklin and Daniel Kavanagh set up Tom Phelan only to see his effort go the wrong side of the post. In injury time of the first half Dylan Vickers made a great challenge to prevent Glencormac scoring when a certain goal looked on the cards. The second half saw Rovers pile on the pressure, Liam Byrne and Jake Whyte combined in the centre of the park to set Brian McCaul away but his way was blocked by the last defender. Daniel Kavanagh burst into the box but was crowded out by three Glencormac defenders. The last ten minutes saw three further goals in a very entertaining game, unfortunately for Rovers the away side scored two of them with Brian McCaul scoring one for the home team. This was a good all round team performance by the home side in only their second outing together as a team.SQUAD: Charlie Darcy, Tom Phelan, Daniel Kavanagh, Dylan Vickers, Liam Byrne, Brian McCaul, Jack Macklin, Tom Donoghue, Jake Whyte.

Date: 19/5/13Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 11.00 am

Under 9 Red DivisionWicklow Rovers A 2 St Patricks A 2

The first ten minutes of this game was limited of chances due to defences been on top. The first chance of note came on eleven minutes when Tom Wilkinson fired narrowly over for the home team. This was the signal for some fine attacking play from both teams in an exciting encounter. Midway through the half top scorer Sean O’Meara broke the deadlock when he finished off a move that was started by Rovers keeper Luke Dunne. On sixteen minutes the home side forced four corners in quick succession but St Patricks held out eventually clearing up field. St Patricks went close to drawing level but Luke Dunne was equal to the shot when he saved well. Three minutes before the break Leo DeCourcey’s effort was tipped away by the St Patricks keeper. At this stage it was end to end and it was St Patricks turn to threaten a minute later, from an in swinging corner Luke Dunne in the home goal had to be alert to turn the ball away. Just on the stroke of half time Sean O’Meara went close to increasing Rovers lead but his shot sailed just over. St Patricks came out on the front foot early in the second half and came close to levelling the game in the first minute only for a combination of good defending from Adam Logan and Zach Harris to prevent them scoring. Top scorer Sean O’Meara was a handful for St Patricks through out the game and on twenty three minutes he forced the keeper into a good save and then fired the rebound into the side netting. On twenty five minutes Luke Dunne came to his sides rescue when he parried a shot out to the edge of the area with Adam Free completing the clearance. This was a very entertaining game that you couldn’t take your eyes off for a second, Tom Wilkinson was next to go close as his shot shaved the outside of the post.In the thirty first minute St Patricks were awarded a penalty for hand ball which was converted to level the game. Rovers reply was instant, they went on the attack straight from the tip off, Zach Harris found Sean O’Meara out on the left, he cut inside and unleashed a pile driver to the roof of the net to regain the lead. Three minutes later St Patricks were level again with a driving shot to the bottom left hand corner of the Rovers net. In the final five minutes both sides had a couple of chances each, for Rovers Tom Wilkinson shot wide and then that man again Sean O’Meara got on the end of a Leo DeCourcey through ball only for his shot to drift wide. St Patricks were denied twice in the dying minutes when first Adam Free intercepted when they looked like they were through on goal and then Luke Dunne tipped the ball around the post. Luke Dunne was excellent between the posts for Rovers pulling off some great saves, outfield Leo DeCourcey, Zach Harris, Adam Free, Adam Logan and Tom Wilkinson were all involved in some neat passing movements for Rovers while up front Sean O’Meara was a constant threat on the opposition’s goal and looked dangerous everytime he was on the ball.This was a very entertaining game between two evenly matched sides played in a good spirit.TEAM: Luke Dunne, Leo DeCourcey, Zach Harris, Adam Logan, Adam Free, Sean O’Meara, Tom Wilkinson.

Date: 9/9/12Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 10.00 am

Under 10 Premier LeagueWicklow Rovers A 2 Enniskerry A 3

Last Sunday morning saw a highly entertaining game between two evenly matches sides. Rovers were first to threaten when Max Kearney picked out Troy Sutton whose shot just went the wrong side of the upright. A minute later Troy Sutton went close again but this time he was denied by the Enniskerry keeper. The home side were having the best of the game in the early stages but after eight minutes it was the away team who went in front, scoring from a tight angle. Three minutes later Rovers were on level terms, the move started with Rovers keeper Harry Hodgkinson pulling off an excellent save, his long kick out found Fionn Luddy who skipped past the Enniskerry defence only to see his shot parried by the keeper but lucky for Rovers Troy Sutton followed in to smash the ball home to make it 1-1. Two minutes before the break Harry Hodgkinson made another excellent save, Rovers broke upfield with Mark O’Brien, Fionn O’Brien and Conor Lewins all involved in the move to set up Max Kearney but his shot went over. In the dying seconds of the half Enniskerry went in front, they rattled the crossbar and finished off the rebound. Straight after the restart Sam Brown was unlucky not to equalise but the keeper saved well. In the twenty sixth minute Enniskerry went 3-1 up with a powerful drive from twenty yards out. From this point onwards Rovers stepped up the pressure, they played some lovely football and were rewarded when Fionn Luddy created space and unleashed an unstoppable shot from twenty yards to close the gap. Rovers created several chances, first Conor Lewins had an effort saved then Fionn Luddy smashed a shot off the bar. Lee Hamilton and Ben Free combined to set Harry Hodgkinson away but he was blocked by the last Enniskerry defender. Enniskerry nearly scored a fourth with three minute left but good defending by Paul Haskins prevented them getting in on goal. The best move of the game came in the last minute, a flowing Rovers move with no less than six players involved saw Harry Hodgkinson, Max Kearney, Sam Brown, Conor Lewins, Ben Free and Troy Sutton all involved before Troy saw his shot clip the outside of the post. It has to be said this match was a highly entertaining and exciting game and kept the supporters on the edge right up to the final whistle. SQUAD: Harry Hodgkinson, Fionn O’Brien, Paul Haskins, Conor Lewins, Max Kearney, Fionn Luddy, Troy Sutton, Mark O’Brien, Sam Brown, Lee Hamilton, Ben Free.

Date: 9/9/12Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey Pitch

Under 10 Division 1 LeagueWicklow Rovers B 0 Greystones United B 0

Despite the scoreline this was a game with lots of goal mouth incidents. Both teams had chances to win the game. Wicklow went close a few times through Adam O'Reilly, Charlie Leonard and Evan Dwyer. However the man of the match was the Wicklow goalkeeper Aaron Laughlin. On numerous occasions he made match winning saves. The Wicklow defence stood firm even with a number of forced changes with Sean Murphy and Daniel Dunne making a number of excellent tackles to foil Greystones. Overall a good performance for a team only recently playing together. SQUAD: Kyle Capiliton, Sean Murphy, Daniel Dunne, Evan Dwyer, Kieran Fitzpatrick, Ryan Kavanagh, Aaron Loughlin, Charlie Leonard, Cathal O'Briain, Adam O'Reilly, Jack Dempsey.Date: 23/9/12Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey Pitch

Under 10 Division 1Wicklow Rovers B 3 Arklow Town B 2

Rovers went into this game looking to record their first win of the season having drawn their two opening fixtures. They started brightly dominating large parts of the first half. Sean Murphy, Charlie Leonard and Cathal O'Briain all had chances for Rovers. The sides went in at half time level at 1-1 with Evan Dwyer notching the Wicklow goal. Arklow came out in the second period with renewed energy and went ahead early with a well taken goal. This seem to spur on the home side and they went in search of an equaliser, they got their reward after tireless running from Evan Dwyer and Ryan Kavanagh set up Charlie Leonard to fire home the levelling goal. Arklow pressed Rovers back and only some good defending from Kieran Fitzpatrick and Jack Dempsey prevented Arklow regaining the lead. With time running out Ryan Kavanagh picked the ball up in the middle of the park, beat a defender and let fly with a cracking effort which went in off the post for what proved to be the winning goal. Wicklow should have been out of sight at half time with the second half been a more even affair in what was a highly entertaining game. Evan Dwyer put in a man of the match display in a good all round team performance.SQUAD: Sean Murphy, Daniel Dunne, Evan Dwyer, Kieran Fitzpatrick, Ryan Kavanagh, Aaron Loughlin, Charlie Leonard, Cathal O'Briain, Adam O'Reilly, Jack Dempsey.

Date: 18/11/12Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 11.00 am

Under 10 Division 2Wicklow Rovers C 3 Ardmore Rovers B 1

Rovers took on second placed Ardmore Rovers B in the Hockey pitch on Sunday Morning in what proved to be a highly entertaining game with a lot of good football on display. The home team were on top through out this game and in truth after the first period they should have been out of sight. After two minutes they created their first chance, Conor Leonard made himself some space just inside the area only to watch his well struck shot go narrowly wide. A minute later the same player latched onto a Scott Bushe pass only to be denied by the keeper. Rovers kept piling forward and next it was Callum Vickers who tried his luck, his well placed effort was turned away by the Ardmore keeper who was in inspired form between the posts. On ten minutes the Rovers early pressure paid off, Conor Leonard was taken down when through on goal, he dusted himself down and planted the resulting penalty kick in the bottom right hand corner of the net to take a well deserved lead. Rovers were strong all over the pitch, Kevin Leonard, Aaron Lynch and Michalis Charalambous were rock solid in defence, Conor Leonard, Finn Egan Barron and Scott Bushe were in total control in the middle of the park while Callum Vickers was constant threat up front. Luke Long in the Rovers goal was having a quiet half as Rovers continued on the front foot creating chance after chance. Callum Vickers, Scott Bushe, Conor Leonard and Finn Egan Barron all had chances to increase the lead but the Ardmore keeper stood firm to keep the score at 1-0. Just on the stroke of half time disaster struck for the home team when the away side in their first meaningful attack equalised with a well struck shot which gave the Rovers net minder no chance. The half time whistle went straight away, there wasn’t even time to put the ball on the centre spot for the tip off. The second half saw Rovers come out determined to push on and claim a victory that their first half dominance deserved, straight from the restart Rovers were back in front, Conor Leonard raced up the left wing dragging out two defenders before placing the ball to Finn Egan Barron who clinically slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to restore their lead. Three minutes later they were 3-1 up and it was no more than they deserved, Scott Bushe set Conor Leonard away on the left, he cut in and fired past the keeper. Rovers continued to set the pace in the game and a move involving Donal O’Donoghue, Finn Egan Barron and Luke Long ended with Callum Vickers firing just over. Midway through the second period Rovers had Aaron Lynch to thank for preserving their two goal cushion, he made a fantastic save at point blank range when a certain goal looked on the cards. With three minutes left on the clock Ardmore attacked in search of a goal that would give them some hope but it was Kevin Leonard in the Rovers defence who intervened to break up the attack and start a Rovers counter attack, he played the ball out to Luke Long who in turn found Donal O’Donoghue who split the away defence to set up Finn Egan Barron in the best move of the match only to yet again find the away keeper in splendid form to block their way. On the final whistle Rovers had deservingly won the game on a 3-1 score line and in the process served up some exciting football for the watching supporters. Both teams have to be complimented on a very sporting and entertaining game of football.SQUAD: Luke Long, Kevin Leonard, Michalis Charalambous, Conor Leonard, Scott Bushe, Aaron Lynch, Finn Egan Barron, Callum Vickers, Donal O’Donoghue.

Date: 5/1/13

Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 11.00 am

Under 11 Division 1Wicklow Rovers A 5 Avonmore 2

Rovers went into this game knowing a win would put them within a point of claiming the division one title, the game was slow to take off with both teams cancelling each other out. Both sides were attacked minded in the early stages but defences were on top during this period with neither keeper been troubled. The first clear cut chance of note fell to Craig Anderson and he made no mistake as he fired Rovers into the lead. This seem to spur the away side on which resulted with them putting the home team under a sustained period of pressure, Avonmore had now stepped up a gear but the resolute Wicklow defence were in no mood to be breached and they held firm. With the away team moving forward Frankie Reynolds won the ball and broke from the middle of the park, his surging run ended with a clinical finish to make it 2-0 to Rovers. Avonmore bounced back with a goal to bring them back into the game. The game was now open with the play going from end to end. Rovers restored their two goal cushion when Robbie Hoffman got on the end of a through to coolly finish past the advancing keeper. With the game stretched Avonmore reduced the deficit once more when they pounced on some hesitant defending from the home side to make it 3-2. At this point of the game Avonmore put Rovers under severe pressure winning several corners in succession, the home soaked up the pressure and just before the break things got better for them, Rovers broke upfield and added a fourth when Frankie Reynolds claimed his second goal of the game to send Rovers in 4-2 up at the break and well on the way to a valuable three points. Rovers came out for the second period in determined mood with the intention of pushing forward to try to increase their advantage and were rewarded early in the half when substitute Brandon O’Brien was alert to get on the end of a cross field pass from Logan O’Toole to fire home to make it 5-2 and set up certain victory. The home team continued to pile forward and were now in total control of the game and were unlucky on a few occasions not to add further goals. Avonmore battled on but had no answer to Rovers powerful display in the second period as they ran out deserved winners by a score of 5-2 which now means they require a single point from their last two games to claim the title. This was a good all round team performance from the lads with every player playing their part on the day.SQUAD: Liam Connelly, Ben Hudson, Rory O’Brien, Scott Sheridan, Frank Reynolds, Nathan Sullivan, Craig Anderson, Robbie Hoffman, Brandon O’Brien, Josh Watson, Logan O’Toole, Max Kearney, Harry Hodgkinson, Conor Lewins.

UNDER 11 DIVISION 1 LEAGUEAVONMORE FC 2WICKLOW ROVERS A 6

The last WDSL Small Sided game League title of the 21012/13 season was finally won last Thursday (April 18) as Wicklow Rovers captured the U11 Division 1 trophy.Needing to avoid defeat against Avonmore at Tullylusk in Rathdrum to become champions and finish ahead of rivals Ardmore Rovers, the Green and Whites flew out of the traps.Despite the blustery and rainy conditions, the away side led 3-0 after just 11 minutes; and 5-1 at half time on their way to sealing top-spot.With just six minutes gone, the ball was played from left to right where Paul Marah slipped in Ben Hudson to fire past Patrick Byrne from ten-yards.It was 2-0 just three minutes later. Marah and Nathan Sullivan linked on the right flank were Marah crossed.Scott Sheridan tried to control the ball before Frank Reynolds pounced with a close range drive.Soon after, a third arrived. Sullivan intercepted a goal-kick, ran past three players and his shot proved too hot for Byrne to handle.Rovers continued to press and snatched a fourth in the 23 rd minute.From a right wing throw, Sheridan flicked past an opponent. Byrne made a fine save but Hudson buried the rebound.And it became 5-0 in the 25 th minute.Craig Anderson found Marah. He fed Sullivan who played a one-two with Sheridan before finding the net from ten-yards.To their credit, Avonmore never gave up.Cian Ward’s injury time free-kick was deflected in by Cody Reid.Then with 18 minutes to go, another Ward free was bundled over the line by Adam Doyle.But Wicklow responded four minutes later.Marah floated in a corner and Robbie Hoffman powered in a brilliant first time half volley on the bounce from six-yards.Avonmore FC: Patrick Byrne; Kyle Henry, Andrew Brancarto, Luke Kearney, Conor Cranley, Keelin Busher, Cormac McGraynor, Cody Reid, Adam Doyle, Gary Merrigan, Ryan Delemare, Cian Ward, Edward Kinsella.Wicklow Rovers A: Liam Connelly; Logan O’Toole, Craig Anderson, Rory O’Brien, Paul Marah, Nathan Sullivan, Frank Reynolds, Ben Hudson, Scott Sheridan, Josh Watson, Brandon O’Brien, Robbie Hoffman.

Referee: Jason Redmond. Wicklow’s record was played ten; won seven, drew once and lost twice.In total, they scored 46 goals, conceded 22 and kept one clean sheet.They had a 100% home record at the Hockey Pitch in Dunbur – beating Ardmore Rovers (4-2), Newtown Juniors (8-0), Wolfe Tone Youth Club A (5-2), St. Anthony’s (6-3) and Avonmore (5-2).On their travels, they defeated Newtown 6-2 at the Community Grounds and drew 3-3 with Wolfe Tone at the Temple Sportsfield in Bray.But were beaten 4-3 by Ardmore at the Ballywaltrim Recreational Park in Bray, and 2-1 by St. Anthony’s at St. Anthony’s Park in Kilcoole.The team are managed by Willie O’Brien and Peter Marah. And coached by Ian Brannigan.

UNDER 11 DIVISION 3 LEAGUEFASSAROE YC 3

WICKLOW ROVERS B 4 (AFTER EXTRA TIME) In a fantastic fixture to grace any League, Wicklow lifted the WDSL U11 Division 3 League title with a nail biting extra time win over Fassaroe. Rovers trailed 2-0 at St. Anthony’s Park in Kilcoole on Sunday afternoon. But rallied to lead 3-2 until Luke O’Brien's brilliant equaliser forced extra time. However, Joe O’Shea’s quite brilliant free kick in the first period sealed the win. Some spice had already been added to the fixture as Rovers manager Stephen Meaney was up against his nephew Scott Meaney who was in the ‘Youth Club dug-out. In the League itself, the Bray team had won 3-2 at the Hockey Pitch in Dunbur back in October 2012. But Rovers bounced back a month later to win the reverse game 5-0 at the Little Bray Community Centre. That saw both clubs finish level after eight wins and two defeats from their allocated ten matches. Fassaroe got off to a flier and led 2-0 after just 13 minutes. Luke O’Brien hit an unstoppable ten-yard volley that flew to the net from 14-yards out. And three minutes later, they extended their advantage. Luke O’Brien launched a free into the box and Ian Lawless connected with a close range over-head kick that was deflected in. However, Wicklow pulled one back in the 24th minute. Joe O’Shea’s corner was headed goal wards by Jamie Noble. And Daniel Murphy got a touch on the line to score before Robert Keating clawed it out. Rovers turned the game on its head from the restart and led 3-2 within two minutes of the second half starting. Substitute Ruadhan Doyle almost scored with his first touch but was denied by Keating’s fine save. Tom O’Shea followed up with a fierce drive over the keeper to square the contest. Within moments, Doyle was fouled in the penalty area. And Tom O’Shea converted the spot-kick. Fassaroe’s equaliser eight minutes from the end of normal time was a thing of beauty. Luke O’Brien picked the ball up in his own half. And ghosted past five opponents before slotting past the excellent Jack Meaney. But Rovers had the final say. Midway through the first period of extra time, they were awarded a free 25-yard out. And Joe O’Shea struck a stunning shot that sailed into the roof of the net.

The first ten minutes of the game was end to end with both sides having chances to go in front, first it was Dylan Frazer who saw his effort turned away by the keeper then the Town went close with an effort that went narrowly wide. On ten minutes the away side went in front with a well taken goal but the lead was short lived, a minute later Rovers were on level terms. Cian O’Brien put Keith Carty in on goal and he slotted coolly past the advancing keeper. At this point Rovers got on top, they created several chances, Keith Carty brought out a good save from Town’s net minder and after seventeen minutes Cian O’Brien forced the keeper into another good save. On twenty one minutes Keith Carty cut through the centre of the defence to score to give Rovers the lead. Four minutes later Cian O’Brien after a great solo run in the process beating three players placed the ball wide of the keeper for number three. A minute later Shane Lincoln delicately chipped the ball over the last defender to put Keith Carty away, who duly obliged to score his hat-trick and Rovers fourth. Just on the stroke of half time Tristan O’Toole fired a powerful shot from the edge of the area but the keeper was equal to it pulling off an excellent save. The Town came out after the break meaning business and in the first minute they pulled a goal back with a neat finish. This sprung the home side into life, Cian O’Brien saw his effort hit the side netting and Shane Lincoln was blocked by the last defender. Rovers increased their lead on thirty five minutes, Dylan Frazer laid the ball back to Keith Carty who rifled home from twenty yards to make it 5-2. Town battled back and two minutes later they reduced the lead again, a scorching shot was well saved by Sean Coffey but the away team were quicker to the rebound to score their third. The impressive Fiachra O’Briain in the Rovers defence came to their rescue with ten minutes left with a great challenge to prevent the Town reducing the lead even further. The last ten minutes saw Rovers go close on three occasions, first Shane Lincoln shot went just wide and then Nathan Wynne was denied by the keeper twice in the space of a minute. Rovers ran out 5-3 winners in a very sporting local derby.SQUAD: Sean Coffey, Ryan Corrigan, Fiachra O’Briain, Tom Farrell, Eoin Screenan, Shane Cullinan, Dylan Frazer, Keith Carty, Cian O’Brien, Shane Lincoln, Tristan O’Toole, Cillian Kelly, Nathan Wynne, Conor Byrne, Sean Leonard.

Date: 12/5/13Comp: Premier ShieldVenue: WoodlandsKick Off: 2.30 pm

Under 12 Premier Shield FinalWicklow Rovers A 1 Arklow Town A 1 After Extra Time[Wicklow Rovers won 4-1 on penalties]

Rovers went in to this game as slight underdogs but quietly confident. Recent meetings between the two sides have been very close tight affairs with both games in the league ending in stalemate. It was Arklow who settled the quickest making most of the early running. They pinned Rovers back and were rewarded in the 18th minute when they went in front. The Arklow player ran across the edge of the area unchallenged before firing past Sean Coffey in the Wicklow goal. This seemed to be the wake up call Rovers required as from this moment they stepped up their game. They gradually played their way into the game with Conor Byrne upfront been a constant thorn in the side of the Arklow rearguard. On twenty six minutes Wicklow were awarded a free kick twenty five yards out, Ryan Corrigan stepped up and blasted an unstoppable shot high into the roof of the net for the equaliser. The went in at the break all square. In the 35th minute Conor Byrne breached the Arklow defence but could only watch in agony as his well struck shot came back off the woodwork. The game was now end to end with some exciting football been played by both sides. In the 37th minute Arklow shaved the outside of the post and two minutes later they fired over. Rovers had their chances too, on forty five minutes Keith Carty found Conor Byrne who fired narrowly wide and then a couple minutes later Conor Byrne saw his shot well saved by the Arklow keeper. The game petered out to full time and it was into extra time. In extra time both defences were on top with each side creating only one chance of note. First Cillian Kelly saw his effort creep the wrong side of the post while Arklow were denied by the impressive Sean Coffey in the Rovers goal. Now we were on to the dreaded penalty shootout, Wicklow were first up and Fiachra O’Briain duly obliged by neating placing the ball in the net. Arklow levelled from their spot kick. Next up was goalscorer Ryan Corrigan and his spot kick was coolly dispatched, 2-1 up and pressure on. Sean Coffey then saved Arklow’s well struck penalty to give Rovers the advantage, next up was team captain Dylan Frazer and its just as well he was a lot cooler and calmer than his manager [John Frazer] as he calmly slotted the ball home to make it 3-1. Sean Coffey saved his second penalty and now Rovers knew if they scored their next they would capture the shield. Up stepped Sean Leonard and like his team mates before him, his penalty was from the top drawer as he clinically slotted the ball away to spark celebrations in the green camp. It has to be said this was a highly entertaining game between two evenly matched sides played in a sporting manner. Well done to both teams.SQUAD: Sean Coffey, Ryan Corrigan, Fiachra O’Briain, Tom Farrell, Cian O’Brien, Shane Cullinan, Dylan Frazer, Keith Carty, Tristan O’Toole, Shane Lincoln, Conor Byrne, Cillian Kelly, Sean Farrell, Nathan Wynne, Sean Leonard.

Date: 6/1/13Comp: ShieldVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 11.00 am

Under 12 Division 3 ShieldWicklow Rovers B 4 St Fergals 4

Wicklow Rovers came into this match very much as underdogs having lost all their matches so far. The lads have been working hard in training and making good progress both individually and together as a team under manager Brendan Porter. Both teams started with a lovely positive attitude, trying to get forward and score goals. Wicklow were getting forward with the quick throws of Jack O’Gorman and the very positive running of Ryan Murphy producing very positive results. Indeed Wicklow were very unfortunate when after a great run by Ryan Murphy down the right wing and a fabulous cross from the by-line saw Daragh Gibney finish the ball to the net, only for it to be disallowed when the referee judged the ball to have already crossed the end line. Wicklow continued to do well with the hard working midfield of Luke Whyte and Fionn Matthews winning their fair share of ball to allow the excellent running of Daragh Gibney and Alex Porter up front to keep pressure on St Fergal’s. On the wings David McNabb and Ryan Murphy were strong in the tackle with David providing some lovely through passes and Ryan’s attacking runs creating problems for St. Fergals.St. Fergal’s were very quick on the counter attack but the defence line of Luke Durac McGowan, Wayne Costello, David Brown and Jack O’Gorman were heroic in the tackle and meant that for much of the first half Daniel Coffey in goal was not tested. Rovers took the lead in the 24 th minute when Ryan Murphy released by a quick throw by Jack O’Gorman outpaced the defence and calmly slotted the ball into the net. At half time, James Bradshaw and James Galligan replaced Daragh Gibney & Alex Porter who had run themselves into the ground and worked tirelessly through out the half.Wicklow further increased the lead when Ryan Murphy scored his second of the match but St Fergals responded immediately reducing the deficit. Dogged perseverance on the ball by Fionn Matthews resulted in him scoring a well deserved third Wicklow goal. Ciaran Byrne now entered as a striker allowing James Bradshaw to move into midfield. St Fergals did not give up though and came back with a second goal of their own before scoring a real beauty of a goal from 20 yards out to level the score at 3-3. Into the last few minutes and as tiredness took its toll, an excellent jinking run by one of the St Fergals players saw them score the goal which put them ahead for the first time in the match.Yet, going into the last minute our lads heads did not drop nor did they give up. A mighty kick out from Wayne Costello was immediately followed through by strikers James Galligan and Ciaran Byrne with midfielders James Bradshaw and Fionn Matthews bursting through also. James Bradshaw held off his opponent and placed the ball in the back of the net with the referee blowing up immediately on the restart for a well deserved 4 -4 draw. A fair result given both teams will feel they could have won it, but both teams will know they could have lost it also. Its great to see this team get their rewards for all their hard work through out the season, its easy to turn out every week when things are going your way but this team turn up every week suffering defeat after defeat but never let it knock their enthusiasm for the game, a lot of credit for this goes to the hard work of manager Brendan Porter and his assistant Michael Galligan, well done lads. Squad: Daniel Coffey, David Brown, Jack O’Gorman, Wayne Costello, Luke Durac McGowan, Fionn Matthews, Luke Whyte, Ryan Murphy, David McNabb, Alex Porter, Daragh Gibney, James Bradshaw, James Galligan, Ciaran Byrne, Ethan O’Connor

Date: 11/11/12Venue: Hockey PitchComp: LeagueKick Off: 11.00 am

Under 12B Metro Girls LeagueWicklow Rovers 0 Cabinteely 1

This match was played in ideal conditions for football and it was Rovers who threatened first with Sinead McGettigan firing narrowly wide after three minutes. The home side went close again on seven minutes when Amy Kavanagh got on the end of a Sarah Evans through ball only to see her shot turned away by the Cabinteely keeper for a corner. The resulting corner was met by Niamh McSorley, but her effort was blocked by the keeper with the rebound falling to Emer McNulty who was also denied by a fantastic save by the keeper again. Rovers continued to pile forward creating chance after chance, Niamh Caffrey got on the end of a cross from Sinead McGettigan but her well struck shot was excellently saved again by the keeper.The home side were in total control of the game with Sinead McGettigan, Sarah Evans and Emer McNulty controlling the middle of the park, at the back Niamh McSorley and Clodagh Irwin were rock solid and ensured Lucy Dunne in the Rovers goal had a quiet first half while in the final third of the pitch Amy Kavanagh and Niamh Caffrey were a handful for the visitors. The Cabinteely keeper was in inspired form and was called on again in the twenty fifth minute with another top drawer save, this time from Emer McNulty. Two minutes before the break substitute Holly McSorley was denied when her goal bound effort was cleared off the line. The visitors only effort in the first half came in injury time when a long range shot cleared the crossbar. The second half saw more of the same with Rovers continuing to pile on the pressure, first Niamh Caffrey watched as her shot from twenty yards went just past the post, the same girl then had two efforts in the space of a minute saved by the keeper. At this stage of the game it looked only a matter of time before Rovers would break the deadlock, Ciara Fagan and Sinead McGettigan went close and then a fine passing move involving Sinead McGettigan, Niamh Caffrey, Ciara Fagan and Holly McSorley saw the same end result as previous attacks with the Cabinteely keeper in unbeatable form saving again. The away side did serve a warning to the home side when they broke upfield but Lucy Dunne was alert in the Rovers goal to come out and smother the ball at the strikers feet. With six minutes remaining on the clock disaster struck, a hopeful cross in to the Rovers area took a wicked deflection to wrong foot Lucy Dunne in the Rovers goal to put the away side in front. Rovers kept going to the final whistle in search of that elusive goal but on two occasions in the dying minutes they were denied, Sinead McGettigan and Ciara Fagan were both denied by frantic defending. The game ended 1-0 to Cabinteely but how Rovers didn’t find the back of the net is a mystery, they had ninety nine percent of the play and only an inspired performance from the Cabinteely keeper stood between Rovers and a comfortable win. On the positive side Rovers turned in a good team performance, Lucy Dunne in the Rovers goal was alert when called on, Niamh McSorley and Clodagh Irwin were rock solid in defence, Sinead McGettigan dictated the middle of the park and was ably supported by Emer McNulty, Sarah Evans and Amy Kavanagh while up front Niamh Caffrey, Ciara Fagan and Holly McSorley were a handful and with a bit of luck falling their way could all have been on the score sheet.SQUAD: Lucy Dunne, Naimh McSorley, Clodagh Irwin, Sinead McGettigan, Sarah Evans, Emer McNulty, Amy Kavanagh, Niamh Caffrey, Holly McSorley, Ciara Fagan.

Date: 30/9/12Comp: National CupVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 11.00 am

Goodson Cup 1 st RoundWicklow Rovers A 0 Beechwood FC 2

As early as the first minute Rovers could have found themselves one up but they didn’t take the chance, Sean Algera found Adam Melia who in turn split the defence with a well measured pass to find Eddy Geraghty whose shot was turned away by the keeper. For the next twenty minutes the game became scrappy with neither side creating a clear cut chance. In this period the nearest either side came to scoring was Shane Devlin for the home side when he fired a shot in from the edge of the area that was easily dealt with by the Beechwood keeper. Beechwood also had a half chance when their number nine fired over when under pressure from Richard Sheane. The first real clear cut chance came to the away side in the twenty fourth minute when the impressive number six for Beechwood put a slide rule pass into the Rovers area for their striker to clinically finish to put them one nil up. Four minutes later Beechwood should have been two up, from a corner on the clubhouse side the Beechwood number ten thundered an effort goal bound and just when it looked a certain goal Ronan Earls in the Rovers pulled off an unbelievable save to keep the score at 1-0. Just before the break the away side increased their lead when they split the home defence wide open before slotting the ball past the Rovers keeper. Two minutes after the break Ronan Earls was called on again to save well. The second half saw Rovers push forward looking for a way back into this game but never really threatened. Shane Devlin had two chances for the home team, the first in the forty fifth minute but his shot was saved by the away keeper. His second chance was created by Rory Dowling but this time his shot went narrowly wide. If anything the away side should have increased their lead but lucky for Rovers Ronan Earls was in inspired form between the posts. With ten minutes left on the clock Ronan Earls saved down low. On sixty seven minutes he pulled off an astonishing double save, he dived to his left to turn the ball away and was up quick to save again to save his team from falling further behind. On the stroke of full time Ronan Earls was called an again to pull off yet another excellent save. Rovers never really got going in this game and they definitely have to thank man of the match Ronan Earls who pulled off some top drawer saves to keep his team within touching distance of their opponents. Richard Sheane also put in a good shift in the centre of the Rovers defence.SQUAD: Ronan Earls, Joe Haskins, Danny Boyle, Michael Anthony Doyle, Richard Sheane, Rian Dwyer, Eddy Geraghty, Sean Algera, Adam Melia, Shane Devlin, Jack Geraghty, Geoff Laverty, JJ Power, Rory Dowling.

This was the fifth time these two teams competed this season but this was by far the toughest of the five for Wicklow Rovers. Coolboy put up a good fight and the scoreline does not really do their team justice. In the first half Wicklow Rovers went 1-0 up with an excellent individual goal from Matthew Traynor.

There were a few half chances for Sean Algera, Shane Devlin and Jack Geraghty in the first half and Wicklow Rovers did not get into trouble as their strong back line with Rian Dwyer, Richard Sheane, Joe Haskins and Geoff Laverty were very solid. In midfield there was some excellent combination play with Adam Melia, Matthew Traynor, Jack Geraghty and Eddy Geraghty. It was great to see how all players worked very hard for the team.The second half saw Rovers introduce Daniel O'Boyle(Geoff Laverty), Michael Anthony Doyle(Adam Melia), JJ Power(Shane Devlin) and Rory Dowling(Eddy Geraghty). In this half the game moved from goal to goal and both teams had plenty of opportunities to score. It was Rory Dowling, after an excellent through pass, that scored the second to make it 2-0. Wicklow Rovers then conceded a penalty but the unlucky Coolboy player placed it just over the cross bar to keep the score at 2-0. The Coolboy goalie then made an excellent save from another attempt from Rory Dowling to keep it at 2-0. Near the end of the match JJ Power put the match beyond Coolboy's reach with a well placed shot beating the Aughrim Goalie at the far post to make it 3-0

I could not pick man of the match as all players were outstanding for the Wicklow Rovers team.

For anybody who was up early on Sunday morning the Whitegates was the place to be, this game served up everything you could look for in a game of soccer. It had everything, exciting end to end football from two attack minded teams, it had high quality finishing and top class goalkeeping especially from Rovers keeper Conor Clack who pulled off four or five top class saves. You couldn’t take your eye of the game for a second. As early as the first minute Alfie Heather gave a glimpse of what was to follow, he got on the end of a Sean Paul Dunne through ball only to curl his shot just wide of the far post. Rovers went close again a minute later when Corey O’Neill found Jack Levis, but his effort was comfortably saved by the keeper. Disaster struck for Rovers in the fifth minute when a long ball over the top of their defence saw the Arklow player slot the ball home for the lead. Alejandro Garcia nearly drew Rovers level two minutes later when his well struck shot was turned away by the Arklow keeper. On thirteen minutes James Lewins came to the home teams rescue with a well timed challenge with the Arklow player bearing down on goal. With the away side pushing forward looking for a second goal James Lewins was called on again but this time he was helped by his defensive partner Conor Foster to deny Arklow what looked a certain goal. On twenty three minutes Alfie Heather fired wide but two minutes later he made no mistake, he cut in from the right and fired a low thunderous shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net for the equaliser. Arklow went down field and looked set to score but the impressive Conor Clack dived bravely at the strikers feet to save. At this stage of the match it was end to end and a high scoring match looked on the cards. Rovers went up the other end, stand in striker Conor Lewins set up Sean Paul Dunne whose shot was straight at the keeper. The last five minutes of the half saw some top quality goalkeeping from Conor Clack, first he dived down low to his right to finger tip a powerful drive around the post then he saved at point range to keep the match at 1-1. Three minutes before the break he again proved to be the hero in what could have been a match turning situation, the away team were awarded a penalty but yet again Conor Clack showed how good a keeper he is with an excellent save high to his right. In the dying seconds of the half Rovers could have snatched the lead, Conor Lewins slipped the ball into Alfie Heather who fired wide. The teams went in at the break at 1-1 but what excitement lay ahead for the watching supporters. If Conor Clack was the hero in the first period then it was Alfie Heather who took over in the second half. In the first minute after the break he picked the ball up just inside his own half and took off on a solo run leaving three Arklow defenders in his wake before powerfully smashing the ball past the keeper to give his team the lead. In the forty first minute Conor Clack parried the ball out wide and Fionan Teevan completed the clearance just before the incoming Arklow player got on the end of it. On forty four minutes Rovers increased their lead when Alfie Heather beat the last defender to the ball, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home for his hat-trick and Rovers third, Arklow went upfield and straight away pulled one back with a good finish but it was that man again Alfie Heather who scored straight from the tip off when he beat the away defence to drive the ball past the advancing keeper to cap off a three goal glut in the space of two minutes to make it 4-2. Midway through the half Arklow gave themselves a lifeline when they pulled another goal back to make it 4-3. It was short lived though, Alfie Heather turned provider when he skipped past two challenges on the right and squared for Jack Doran to coolly finish at the back post. With nine minutes left Conor Clack made another good save to maintain a two goal cushion, his clearance found Alfie Heather who went on another run going by three defenders to score his fifth and Rovers sixth. In injury time Alfie Heather completed his double hat-trick in splendid fashion, he raced between the two central defenders into the area and clinically fired past the keeper to make it 7-3. This was an impressive display by the home side. Conor Foster, Fionan Teevan, James Lewins and Jack Doran were steady in the back four, Sean Paul Dunne, Alejandro Garcia, Corey O’Neill and Jack Levis worked tirelessly in the middle of the park. A special mention to young Conor Lewins who worked hard up front against physically bigger players. The man of the match award looked to be sewn up at half time with Conor Clack pulling off five top class saves including one from a penalty to keep his team on level terms at the break, he continued that with another two excellent saves in the second half but then entered Alfie Heather who added another five goals to his one he nabbed in the first half to complete a double hat-trick and it has to be said all six of his goals were top notch finishes of the highest class. With Conor’s saves and Alfie’s goals I don’t think anyone would disagree that both players would be deserving of the man of the match award in what was a good all round team performance in a very exciting game, Arklow United have to be congratulated also for their part in what was an entertaining and sporting match with loads of high quality finishing and goalkeeping. Well done to both teams.TEAM: Conor Clack, Conor Foster, Fionan Teevan, James Lewins, Jack Doran, Sean Paul Dunne, Alejandro Garcia, Jack Levis, Corey O’Neill, Alfie Heather, Conor Lewins.

Date: 3/11/12Comp: National CupVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 12.00

Under 15 SFAI Evans Cup 2 nd RoundWicklow Rovers A 0 Naas United 2

A couple of weeks a go this match was due to take place at the Kildare teams venue but due to the bad weather at the time it was cancelled, it was refixed for the Whitegates last Saturday and it proved to be a tight contest between two evenly matched sides. Rovers should have been in front as early as the first minute when Colin O’Toole found himself one on one with the away keeper but the keeper won the duel saving well. It wasn’t until the twenty first minute before the next chance of note came along as both defences were on top in this period of the game, the chance fell to Andrew Earls when he fired a free kick just over. Naas had a good chance in the twenty fifth minute when they flashed a header just the wrong side of the upright. As the away side began to get a foot hold in the game it was Cory Tyrell Mitchell who came to Rovers rescue with a timely intervention with a great challenge to prevent the Naas striker getting in on goal. Just before the break Calum Vickers done well to gather when he only saw the ball at the last second in a crowded area. Three minutes into the second half the best passing move of the game involving Kevin O’Halloran, Eoin McAulay, Ross Quinn and Adam Copeland saw Rovers go close to taking the lead. The away side went up the other end, a long ball over the top caught the home defence out but the Naas player’s effort went agonisingly wide. Chances were coming thick and fast and it was Rovers turn to go close, Adam Copeland cut in from the right wing and his cross was met by the head of Ross Quinn only for it to sail over. On forty nine minutes Rovers had the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for offside. It was the away side who eventually broke the deadlock, in the fifty sixth minute a cross ball from the left some how found its way into the far top hand corner of the net. Rovers piled forward in search of an equaliser, first Eoin McAulay went close when his shot flashed wide, then on seventy minutes the same player found himself one on one with the Naas keeper but not for the first time in the game the Naas custodian won the battle of nerves to save the day for his team. With three minutes left Colin O’Toole was denied by a match saving challenge. Rovers were throwing everything at Naas at this stage, Ross Quinn volleyed over from thirty five yards and Adam Copeland worked his way in from the right but was crowded out. With the home team pushing forward the danger was they would get caught on the break and in injury time that’s exactly what happened, but the goal was from the top drawer, a fierce strike from twenty five yards thundered into the top left hand corner of the Rovers net to give them the insurance goal. Rovers had time for one more chance but the Naas keeper saved well from Colin O’Toole. The game ended 2-0 to the visitors in what was a closely fought contest but I’m sure Rovers will be thinking they left this one behind them with the chances they had. Adam Copeland, Ross Quinn and Cory Tyrell Mitchell stood out for Rovers on the day. TEAM: Calum Vickers, Cory Tyrell Mitchell, Adam Browne, Oisin Daunt Smyth, Brian O’Sullivan, Ross Quinn, Hugh Humby, Adam Copeland, Eoin McAulay, Colin O’Toole, Andrew Earls.SUBS: Kevin O’Halloran, Colin Sinnott, Rian Daunt Smyth, Tom Delahunt, Joe Cummiskey.

Date: 28/4/13Comp: Shield FinalVenue: Allen ParkKick Off: 10.00 am

Under 15 Premier Shield FinalWicklow Rovers A 3 Arklow United 0

The Under 15 Premier Shield Final took place in Allen Park, Aughrim on Sunday morning, between the top two teams in this age group. In a cagey opening, the first chance of note came after seven minutes when Adam Copeland played a through ball to Eoin McAulay, whose effort was saved by the keeper. Fifteen minutes in, Calum Vickers raced off his line to smother the ball at the striker’s feet. Three minutes later Adam Copeland won a poor Arklow kick out. He set Eoin McAulay away on goal, whose chipped effort went over the bar. Midway through the half, Ross Quinn powerfully fired home into the bottom right hand corner from thirty-five yards to give Rovers the lead. On the half hour mark, Ross Quinn rattled the cross bar with a thunderous shot from twenty yards. Five minutes before the break, Adam Copeland turned inside the area to fire in an effort low and hard, which the keeper was equal to. On the stroke of half time, the Arklow number nine fired over with the goal at his mercy. Two minutes into the second half, Arklow fired a free kick just wide. In a three-minute spell at the fiftieth minute, Ross Quinn had two good efforts. His first just went wide at the post, and then his lobbed effort came back off the upright. In the fifty-sixth minute, a long ball out of defence found Eoin McAulay at the half way line. He beat the last man and fired past the advancing keeper, making it two nil to Rovers. Sixty minutes were gone on the clock when Arklow should have pulled a goal back, but the chance went a begging. On sixty-five minutes, Andrew Earls sent over a delicate cross, but it just evaded the incoming Adam Copeland. Arklow had two chances in the seventy-first and seventy-third minutes, but both were off target. In the last minute, Adam Copeland’s cross took a wicked deflection off an Arklow defender and rebounded into the net, to give a final score of three nil.

Wicklow Rovers went into this game with Aughrim at Allen Park knowing a win would secure the u15 premier division title with two games to spare to add to the Premier Cup and Premier Shield already secured in the trophy cabinet for this season. Rovers started the game with good intent and dictated the play for the majority of the first half. With 5 minutes on the clock a good passing exchange on the right wing saw Coin Synott feed Rian Daunt Smith who delivered a pin point cross into the 6 yard box allowing Colin O'Toole to put Rovers one up with a composed finish. Rovers passed the ball well and maintained control of the game during the early exchanges, Aughrim did threaten on the break with the back line of Joe Commiskey, Adam Browne, Brian O' Sullivan and Corrie Tyrell Mitchell and goalkeeper Calum Vickers marshalling well for Rovers to keep Aughrim at bay. Rovers second came from an excellent corner from Adam Copeland into the danger area for Andrew Earls to lose his marker and put Rovers two up. At half time Kevin O' Halloran was introduced for the injured Ross Quinn. O' Halloran took up where Quinn left off and provided tenacity and creativity to the centre of the park alongside the impressive Adam Copeland. Aughrim began to get more of a foothold at the start of the second half and were the more than a match for Rovers during a 20 minute period after the break and deservedly pegged the game back to 2-1 with a well worked move. An excellent finish on the volley from Rian Daunt Smith put Rovers 3-1 up midway through the second half to ease the pressure. Rovers went 4-1 up from the newly introduced Eoin McAuley who demonstrated his season long goal scoring prowess and excellent workrate within minutes of his introduction. A fine win was fittingly capped off in the dying minutes of the game by team captain Colin O' Toole to secure the 5th goal of the game and the Premier Division title for Rovers, thereby securing the domestic treble for this talented young team for the second year running. An excellent team performance on the day epitomised the endeavour and workrate displayed by this treble winning squad throughout the season.Starting team: Calum Vickers, Joe Commiskey, Corrie Tyrell Mitchell, Adam Browne, Brian O'Sullivan, Adam Copeland, Ross Quinn, Colin Synott, Colin O' Toole, Rian Daunt Smith, Andrew Earls, Subs: Kevin O'Halloran for Ross Quinn, Eoin McAuley for Colin Synott, Oisin Daunt Smith for Corrie Tyrell Mitchell, Panel Members unavailable: Hugh Humby, Tom Delahunt, Manager: Stephen Earls, Ass: Mick Humby

Date: 16/112/12Comp: ShieldVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 11.00 am

Under 15 Premier ShieldWicklow Rovers B 0 Ardmore Rovers A 2

The home side went into this game looking to record their second win in the shield after gaining their first win last week in a very good performance against Arklow Town A, they started this game on the front foot and made all the running in the early stages of the game. As early as the second minute Wicklow could have been in front, Dale Browne cut in past the full back but saw his shot saved by the Ardmore keeper. After six minutes Dale and Josh Browne combined to set up Mark Darragh whose effort sailed over. Wicklow were unlucky not to go ahead in the thirteenth minute, Mark Darragh controlled the ball beautifully and then sprayed it out to Dale Browne who delicately chipped the advancing keeper only for his effort to rebound back off the crossbar. Ardmore were restricted to the odd chance with Jamie Power and Ben Makin keeping things tight in the home defence. On fifteen minutes when Ardmore did breach the home rear guard Oisin Breen raced off his line to clear the danger. Wicklow continued to push forward and dominate the first half, on twenty five minutes Josh Browne curled a shot wide, a minute later Ethan Sillery got on the end of a corner but his header narrowly drifted past the far post. Five minutes before the break Robbie Dunne watched as his shot from the edge of the area had the keeper beaten but just went the wrong side of the upright. The home side went in at the break at 0-0 but with a bit luck they could have been two up. The second half was a more even affair with Ardmore coming more into the game, in their first attack after the interval they went in front, they cut through the home defence to score to take a lead totally against the run of play. It seemed to give the away side more confidence as they created a couple of chances in the space of two minutes but they both came to nothing. In the fifty first minute Jamie Power hit a powerful drive from thirty yards but his goal bound shot was deflected out for a corner. Midway through the half the away side increased their lead, a well struck free from twenty yards found the top right hand corner to make it 2-0 to Ardmore. Both keepers were called on in the dying minutes, first the Ardmore keeper saved well from Ethan Sillery and then it was Liam O’Brien’s turn as he emerged off his line to save bravely at the Ardmore strikers feet. One more chance of note saw Luke Murphy put in Dale Browne but the keeper was equal to the shot to save down low. Wicklow will wonder how they didn’t get something out of this game as it was a game they totally controlled in the first period and in a more even second half they still had a couple of decent chances to get something.SQUAD: Oisin Breen, Luke Purdy, Ben Makin, Jamie Power, Niall Dowd, Ethan Sillery, Robbie Dunne, Dale Browne, Mark Darragh, Alljandro Barbieria, Josh Browne, James Hayes Kavanagh, Stephen Cullen, Luke Murphy, Sean Fitzpatrick, Liam O’Brien.

After 4 minutes Robbie Dunne made a solo run skipping by two players down the right flank with his effort narrowly going over the crossbar. After 6 minutes Rovers went in front. Mark Darragh won the ball in midfield, found Ethan Sillery thirty yards from the Enniskerry goal. Ethan places the ball in the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance to save it.On 14 minutes 0it was 0-2. A James Hayes Kavanagh corner saw a sloppy clearance from Enniskerry. Robbie Dunne fired in a shot which was side footed home by Josh Browne.In the 18 th minute Rovers were three up. A header won by Ethan Sillery in his own half set Riain Sweetman Burke who connected with it beautifully to play in James Hayes Kavanagh who found himself one on one with the keeper and coolly side foots past the keeper to slot the ball in the bottom right hand corner of the net.Wicklow wenrt 4-0 up three minutes later. Another ball played by Riain split the Enniskerry defence, which saw Josh Browne close down the keeper. The ball fell to Robbie Dunne who placed the ball in the net from 15 yards.Eight minutes before the break it was 0-5. Riain Sweetman Burke picked the ball up on left side of midfield. He showed great strength and skill as he went by his opponent. He crossed the ball into the18yard box where Josh Browne took advantage and shoots to the bottom left hand corner, despite the keepers efforts.On 36 minutes the home side pulled one back. A free kick was given to Enniskerry just outside the box, the Enniskerry number 11 places the ball and rifles into the top right hand corner of the Wicklow Rovers net.After 49 minutes Enniskerry reduced the deficit to 2-5.At this stage of the match it was end to end.After 13 mins of the second half a comeback was on the cards 3-5. The number Number 12 of Enniskerry picked the ball up on the right side, cut in to slot the ball past Oisin Breen's into the far corner. After 57 minutes Riain Sweetman Burke danced his way around three players only for his effort to narrowly go by the post.On 63 minutes Rovers netted another to make it 3-6. This is thanks to Riain who tricked his way past two defenders to calmy slot the ball home.In the 74th minute Luke Purdy was denied what would have been a brilliant goal when his shot hit the crossbar. Rovers continued fighting for the ball. Josh Browne was denied a hat-trick when his shot hit the crossbar.The final whistle sounded with another Rovers victory with a scoreline of 3-6. James Hayes Kavanagh was the man of the match .Also missing from the Rovers team due to injuries sustained in last weeks games were Niall Dowd and Dale Browne. It was great to see the lads turn up to support their team mates at this game. Everyone on the team wishes them both a speedy recovery.

Rovers came out of the traps flying in this game, the first chance of note came when Glen McCarthy saw his shot well saved. The home side were piling on the early pressure and after eight minutes they were rewarded when Kieran Bloomfield latched onto a kick out, he played the ball out wide on the right to Alan Power who struck a superb strike to the roof of the net. On eighteen minutes Alan Power turned provider when his cross was powerfully headed home by Andrew O’Brien to make it 2-0. Ten minutes later Andrew O’Brien headed Kieran Bloomfield’s corner back across goal for Alan Power to race in to finish for his second and Rovers third. Two minutes later James Nolan neatly finished off a Kieran Bloomfield cross only for it to be harshly ruled out for offside. Ten minutes before the break a beautiful reverse pass from Liam Kavanagh to Kieran Bloomfield led to number four. Rovers were in total control at this stage, Alan Power, James Nolan and Lee Boylan all had chances to increase the lead but eventually number five came along, a well struck free kick from Kieran Bloomfield found its way into the roof of the net. Greystones best move of the game came in the fifty second minute and resulted with a cracking strike from the edge of the area to make it 5-1. Rovers notched number six when Liam Kavanagh weaved his way past three defenders, laid the ball off to Kieran Bloomfield who slotted the ball into the bottom corner for his hat-trick. With Rovers piling on the pressure a well worked move involving Liam Kavanagh, Kieran Bloomfield and Lee Boylan set up Darragh O’Connor to finish. Three minutes later a Kieran Bloomfield thunderbolt was parried by the Greystones keeper and Darragh O’Connor was on hand to tap the ball in for number eight. Liam Kavanagh cut through the centre of the away defence and coolly placed the ball wide of the keeper for the nineth. On seventy minutes Aaron Meade played a twenty yard pass to Kieran Bloomfield who scored his fourth and Rovers tenth. With four minutes left on the clock Lee Boylan lobbed the keeper to score and on the stroke of full time Kieran Bloomfield scored his fifth when he hit a screamer from the edge of the area. This was a good all round team performance from Rovers to get their campaign of to a winning start.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O’Kelly, Craig Waldron, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Conor Moore, Aaron Meade, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 23/9/12 Comp: Shield Venue: Lamberton Kick Off: 11.30 am Under 16 Premier Shield Arklow Town A 2 Wicklow Rovers A 5Rovers travelled to take on Arklow Town A on Sunday morning. The home side were first to threaten, Daragh Hosey in the Wicklow Rovers goal had to be alert to tip the ball over. Arklow made all the early running with Rovers struggling to make any impact. The home team took the lead on fifteen minutes when they were given a free header from a corner. They increased their lead on the half hour mark to go 2-0 up. Rovers huffed and puffed but couldn't get a foot hold in the match, their only chance of note came when James Nolan put the Town keeper under pressure and just when he was about to finish the keeper got back to scramble the ball away. Daragh Hosey was called on again just before the break saving well down low to keep his side within touching distance. Arklow went into the half time break 2-0 up and it was a well deserved lead. The second half was a totally different affair, whatever was in the water or whatever was said during the interval Rovers were completely transformed in the second period. They showed their intent in the first minute, an excellent move involving Craig Waldron, Liam Kavanagh, Lee Boylan and Kieran Bloomfield set up Darragh O'Connor whose goal bound effort was somehow cleared off the line with the keeper beaten. Rovers poured forward creating chance after chance, but they found the hone defence stubborn and in no mood to concede. Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh and Kieran Bloomfield all had chances but failed to find the target. When Wicklow did hit the target they found Tiernan Mellon in the Arklow goal in inspired form saving efforts from Glen McCarty and Alan Power. Rovers were now playing some good football and on fifty five minutes they deservedly pulled one back, Conor Moore won the ball on the right, played into Liam Kavanagh who played a beautiful pass out right to Alan Power, his deep cross to the back post was nodded home by Kieran Bloomfield. Five minutes later they were level, Andrew O'Brien picked the ball up midway between the edge of the area and the half way line, he waltzed past three defenders before slamming the ball low into the bottom right hand corner. Rovers continued to push forward with Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Rovers went in front when Alan Power cut in front the right and fired past the keeper. Conor Moore came to Wicklow's rescue with a great challenge when the Arklow striker was bearing down on goal. The second half saw the Rovers rearguard of Conor Moore, Craig Waldron, Andrew O'Brien and Mark Egan give very little to their opponents. Rovers completed their comeback with two further goals, a fine effort from Glen McCarty thundered in off the underside of the crossbar and a well placed shot from Kieran Bloomfield for his second of the game and Rovers fifth. Rovers were totally transformed in the second half, making the right decisions at the right times while playing some excellent football all over the pitch, they showed great character to come from two goals down to win against a good Arklow side. SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Alan Power, Craig Waldron, Mark Egan, Andrew O'Brien, Lee Boylan, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Kieran Bloomfield, James Nolan, Darragh O'Connor, Conor Moore.

Date: 6/10/12Comp: ShieldVenue: WoodlandsKick Off: 1.00 pm

Under 16 Premier ShieldGreystones United A 2 Wicklow Rovers A 5

Rovers made it three wins from three in this game but for much of the first half it was a dire struggle. Ten minutes were gone on the clock and the first chance of the game fell to the away side, Lee Boylan picked out James Nolan who in turn laid it into the path of Alan Power whose effort flashed wide of the far post. The first fifteen minutes saw Rovers push Greystones back without causing any real problems to the home defence, Greystones in their first attack of note won a penalty after a Rovers defender got the wrong side of the Greystones striker and took him down. Greystones made no mistake from the spot to go one nil up despite a valliant effort from Daragh Hosey to save. Five minutes later Rovers were level, James Nolan won a corner out on the right, Kieran Bloomfield swung the corner in with his left foot and was beautifully met by the head of Liam Kavanagh to plant the ball high into the home net for the equaliser. This was the signal for Rovers to kick on and a minute later Kieran Bloomfield headed over with the goal at his mercy. On the half hour Alan Power and Glen McCarthy combined to set up Lee Boylan whose header was well saved by the keeper. Five minutes before the break a Liam Kavanagh free kick found the head of Kieran Bloomfield but the Greystones keeper was equal to it and saved well. A minute before the break a neat passing move on Rovers left saw them go in front, Aaron Meade, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy and Rovers best player in the first period Lee Boylan were all involved in the move which ended with a half volley finish from Kieran Bloomfield. Rovers went into the break 2-1 up and a bit fortunate to be in the lead as they struggled to get a grip of the game. The second period was a different story and as early as the first minute of the second half Rovers showed their intent, they raided down the right and as the ball entered the area it was handled by a home defender, Kieran Bloomfield put the ball on the spot and powerfully fired it home to make it 3-1. At this stage of the game Glen McCarthy and Liam Kavanagh gained control of the centre of the park and were spraying passes out to both flanks. When Greystones threatened and at one stage a certain goal looked on the cards Andrew O’Brien came out of no where to save his team with a well timed challenge. On fifty four minutes Darragh O’Connor finished when he lobbed the advancing keeper to make it 4-1. Two minutes later Alan Power and Glen McCarthy played a one two with the former crossing the ball into the box but Kieran Bloomfield’s fiercely struck shot was turned around the post. With six minutes left on the clock Kieran Bloomfield completed his hat-trick when he slammed home a Glen McCarthy cross to make it 5-1. Greystones scored their second in the dying seconds to make the final score 5-2 to Rovers. SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O’Kelly, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 14/10/12Comp: ShieldVenue: Coolboy Sports FieldKick Off: 12.00

Under 16 Premier ShieldCoolboy Rangers 0 Wicklow Rovers A 1

Both sides went into this game with hundred percent records so something had to give at the Coolboy Sports Ground on Sunday. It was a wet miserable morning for football but both sides produced some good football on a very good pitch. The home team went close after seven minutes, a left wing cross just evaded the incoming number nine and the ball just went out the wrong side of the post. Rovers went upfield from the kick out, James Nolan controlled the ball and found Alan Power free out wide on the right, his cross was met by Kieran Bloomfield whose shot just cleared the crossbar. Two minutes later a combination of Lee Boylan, Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy set Kieran Bloomfield away but he was denied by the covering defender. Rovers started to apply a bit of pressure but Coolboy were dangerous when they broke. On the half hour mark Rovers won a corner on the right, Kieran Bloomfield swung the corner over with pace and was met by the head of Rory O'Kelly to powerfully finish to the net to give Rovers the lead. Before the break Rovers had two chances to increase their lead, first James Nolan's shot was well saved and then Kieran Bloomfield could only agonizingly watch as his effort came back off the upright into the keepers hands. The start of the second period saw Rovers go close again, Lee Boylan received the ball from Aaron Meade, his cross was met at the back by Alan Power who slid in only for the keeper to turn his effort out for a corner. Midway through the half the home side went close on a couple of occasions but both times they were denied by some resolute defending from the Rovers rearguard of Craig Waldron, Rory O'Kelly, Mark Egan and Aaron Meade. The game had opened up at this stage and Rovers went close on three occasions, first James Nolan's curling left footed effort sailed just wide of the top corner, then Liam Kavanagh's half volley was brilliantly saved by the Coolboy keeper before the keeper saved again, this time from Kieran Bloomfield. Coolboy also had a couple of chances but Daragh Hosey in the Rovers goal was alert both times to come off his line to mop up the danger. Conor Moore intervened on the right to prevent a Coolboy breakaway when Rovers pushed forward for a second goal. Rovers held firm in the closing minutes to close out the game to earn a hard fought win to maintain their hundred percent start to the season against a very good Coolboy team. On the day you couldn't pick out a man of the match because every player in the squad done their job in a good all round team performance. SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Craig Waldron, Aaron Meade, Rory O'Kelly, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan., Kieran Bloomfield, Conor Moore, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 8/12/12Comp: ShieldVenue: Rocky RoadKick Off: 1.00 pm

Under 16 Premier ShieldWicklow Rovers A 1 Arklow Town A 4

Rovers went into this game with their place in the shield final already assured and it was just as well as they choose this game to turn in their worst performance of the season. They started brightly enough and went close after four minutes when Liam Kavanagh fired over from the edge of the area. On seven minutes Liam Kavanagh was denied by the Arklow keeper who saved well. The game became scrappy but it was the away who were the hungrier, they started to dictate matters all over the pitch as the home team struggled to get into their stride. Two goals in the space of five minutes midway through the half saw Arklow gain control of the match. Arklow went in at the break two goals to the good and well deserved their lead. Rovers had a great chance two minutes after the restart when second half substitute Kieran Bloomfield had an effort well saved by the Town keeper. Arklow broke up field and confusion in the home defence led to another Arklow goal, shortly after Arklow were four up with a well taken effort. Rovers continued to try to get a foot hold in the game but nothing went right for them, when they did find away through they found the Arklow keeper on top of his game pulling off two great saves, one from Glen McCarthy and another from Alan Power. In the dying minutes Rovers scored a consolation goal when Alan Power cut in from the right and fired low and hard past the keeper. SQUAD: Brendan Hawes, Conor Moore, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Rory O’Kelly, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, Mark Egan, Daragh Hosey.

Date: 15/12/12Comp: Shield FinalVenue: WoodlandsKick Off: 2.00 pm

Under 16 Premier Shield FinalWicklow Rovers A 3 Coolboy Rangers 2

Rovers went into this final looking to break their duck in shield finals having finished runners up in the last three seasons, once in the division one shield and twice in the premier since their promotion. Both teams have last thirty two matches in the National cup to look forward to in the new year. Both sides started the first few minutes with a cautious approach, Rovers were first to threaten when James Nolan slipped the ball through to Kieran Bloomfield who was denied by a covering defender. Coolboy went up the other end and went close with a shot that crept narrowly wide. Rovers broke the deadlock on ten minutes, James Nolan laid the ball off to Alan Power who played a long ball over the top for Kieran Bloomfield to latch onto and fire powerfully to the net for the lead. Two minutes later an Alan Power corner was met by the head of Liam Kavanagh only to see the keeper save. On fifteen minutes Coolboy were level, Rovers conceded a soft penalty which Coolboy converted confidently to the net for the equaliser. Rovers were now struggling to make an impact in the game as Coolboy grew with confidence and it was no surprise midway through the half when they went 2-1 up from a corner. Shortly after Daragh Hosey kept his team in the match with a magnificent save to turn a fierce drive around the post. Even though Rovers were struggling to get into the game they battled away with Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy in the centre of the park trying to carry the game to their opponents. The game was starved of very few clear cut chances in the latter stages of the first period, the one chance that did come fell to Rovers two minutes before the interval, Lee Boylan won a corner on the left, Alan Power swung over the corner which Liam Kavanagh got on the end off and this time he made no mistake with his header flashing into the roof of the net to square up the match. The second half saw Coolboy dictate the early stages without creating any clear cut openings, in fact it was Rovers who created the first clear chance of the second half and it resulted in a goal in the fifty second minute, Darragh O’Connor and Alan Power combined to set up Kieran Bloomfield whose rasping shot gave the Coolboy net minder no chance. On the hour mark Glen McCarthy’s quick feet dazzled the Coolboy defence to create space only to be denied by a last ditch block. The last ten minutes saw Coolboy press forward in search of an equaliser but the Rovers defence of Rory O’Kelly, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan and Craig Waldron plus goalkeeper Daragh Hosey held firm in those frantic few minutes. Rovers emerged as victors in a tense sporting game by two committed sides. SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O’Kelly, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Craig Waldron, Conor Moore, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 10/11/12Comp: SFAI Barry CupVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 12.00

Under 16 SFAI Barry Cup 3 rd RoundWicklow Rovers A 10 Granada FC 0

Rovers came out of the traps flying and in the first five minutes they could have been three up, Kieran Bloomfield, James Nolan and Alan Power all had chances but failed to hit the target. On six minutes Rovers went in front, Alan Power’s cross from the right wing caused severe problems for the visitors rearguard and they failed to clear the danger, the ball fell to Lee Boylan on the edge of the area and he thundered home to the roof of the net. In the tenth minute an Aaron Meade throw in was headed into the path of Liam Kavanagh who left three defenders in his wake before slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0. Three minutes later a long ball out of defence from Andrew O’Brien set Kieran Bloomfield away only for his shot to shave the outside of the post. Midway through the half Lee Boylan and Aaron Meade combined on the left to put in Liam Kavanagh who fired home his second and Rovers third. A minute later Glen McCarty’s goal bound shot was well saved by the Granada keeper. Four minutes before the break Kieran Bloomfield picked the ball up wide on the right just inside his own half, he went on solo run gliding past the away defence before powerfully crashing the ball into the far bottom corner of the net to make it 4-0. Rovers were in total control of the game and when the away side did get forward the home defence of Rory O’Kelly, Aaron Meade, Mark Egan and Andrew O’Brien combined with Daragh Hosey in the goal mopped up any attacks from the visitors. The second period saw the home side step up their performance another notch, on forty five minutes Glen McCarthy cracked home number five from just outside the area. An Andrew O’Brien long ball over the top saw Alan Power race onto the ball only for his effort to be turned around the post for a corner. The resulting corner was met by the head of Andrew O’Brien but it sailed just over the bar. After fifty minutes James Nolan had a great chance to score his first goal of the season but on this occasion he was denied by the keeper. In the space of two minutes at the fifty third minute mark Glen McCarthy had two chances, the first a delightful half volley whistled past the wrong side of the upright but from the next attack Glen made no mistake rifling home to make it 6-0. Chances were coming thick and fast as the home team surged forward, on sixty minutes Andrew O’Brien accurately placed a header from an Alan Power corner past the keeper for number seven and then in the sixty fifth minute a Darragh O’Connor crossed was finished by Alan Power to make it 8-0. With ten minutes remaining Kieran Bloomfield raced onto a through ball and squared for the incoming James Nolan to slide the ball to the back of the net for his first competitive goal of the season. After seventy three minutes Darragh O’Connor cut in from the left and unleashed a driving shot from the edge of the eighteen yard box which just cleared the crossbar. With six minutes remaining James Nolan nabbed himself a second when he slammed in number ten for Rovers. Even though Rovers were on the front foot for a lot of the second period the away side did create a couple of openings but on both occasions Brendan Hawes saved well. The defence stood firm again in the second period and with the addition of Conor Moore and Craig Waldron they never put a foot wrong. SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O’Kelly, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Conor Moore, Craig Waldron, Brendan Hawes.

Wicklow Rovers went into this game knowing a victory would send them into the last 32 and the open draw of the National Cup. Both sides went into the game with hundred percent records in their domestic leagues so something had to give. It was Wicklow who started the brighter and as early as the fourth minute they found themselves in front. Liam Kavanagh picked the ball up in the middle of the park and sprayed an inch perfect pass into Kieran Bloomfield who delightfully chipped the advancing keeper for a dream start. Four minutes later it could have been 2-0, Andrew O’Brien found the dangerous Alan Power out wide on the right who took on and beat the full back before pulling the ball back to Liam Kavanagh who fired just over. Wicklow continued to push forward in the early stages with the midfield quartet of Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy and Lee Boylan continually probing looking for openings, Kieran Bloomfield, Alan Power and Darragh O’Connor all had chances but were foiled by the home keeper. The home side started to get a foot hold around the midway point of the half and started to create chances of their own, on two occasions Daragh Hosey in the Wicklow goal was called on to preserve his teams one goal lead. First he blocked at point blank range and then he pulled off a save which would be contender for save of the season, with the ball seemingly heading for the top right hand corner of the net he somehow got his fingertips to turn the ball over. Both teams were giving a hundred percent in a tough tense game, every challenge was battled for with no quarter given. Wicklow went in at the break 1-0 up and just about shaded it. The second half saw the away side go close early on, Rory O’Kelly found Alan Power out wide and as he did for the whole game, he took on and tormented the home defence crossing to Kieran Bloomfield who saw his shot well saved by the Ardmore keeper. Both sides continued to push forward which resulted in a very attack minded game, Ardmore found the Wicklow defence of Rory O’Kelly, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan and Aaron Meade in a stubborn mood and willing to put their bodies on the line to keep their lead intact, when they did find a way past the rear guard they found Daragh Hosey in inspired form between the posts. On twenty minutes we had the turning point of the game, substitute James Nolan was only on the pitch a couple of minutes, but his first touch of the ball could not have been any more important, he received the ball just inside his opponents half with his back to goal, he had a quick glance over his shoulder before swivelling and placing a perfect through ball which split open the Ardmore defence and sent Kieran Bloomfield away who clinically finished to make it 2-0. Shortly after Wicklow were in dream land, the impressive Glen McCarthy who seemed to be everywhere on the pitch popped up in the six yard box to get on the end of an Alan Power cross to slot home to make it 3-0. With twelve minutes left on the clock Ardmore threatened down the right but a combination of Lee Boylan and Aaron Meade came to Wicklow’s rescue. Ardmore gave themselves a lifeline when they reduced the arrears with a well taken goal. As the home side pressed forward in search of a second goal which would make it a nervy finish for Wicklow it was Craig Waldron whose speed saw him get back to make a timely challenge. Wicklow had another chance to seal the game when Liam Kavanagh who covered every blade of grass on the pitch found James Nolan who in turn swung the ball out to Kieran Bloomfield who fired high and wide but at this stage of the game it was all about keeping it tight at the back and that’s exactly what Wicklow did limiting Ardmore to long range efforts with the defence and midfield battling for every ball. Wicklow ran out 3-1 winners in what was a tense, tough and entertaining match with no player on the pitch willing to give an inch. There reward for this victory is a place in the last 32 of the National Cup.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O’Kelly, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, James Nolan, Craig Waldron, Conor Moore, Brendan Hawes.

Rovers made the long journey to Sligo Town to take on local side Ballisodare United in the last 32 of the National Cup without having a game since they defeated Coolboy in the premier shield final way back in December. Rovers started off well and on six minutes they had a great chance to go in front, Rory O’Kelly and Liam Kavanagh combined to set Alan Power away on the right, his pin point cross found Lee Boylan just inside the area only to see his lobbed effort just clear the top of the crossbar. Disaster struck for Wicklow four minutes later when the home side went in front, a long ball over the top caught out the Rovers defence and a clinical finish from the Ballisodare number nine gave them the lead. It got worse three minutes later when the same player smashed home another cracking effort from the edge of the area to double the lead for the home side. At this stage Rovers were shell shocked and it was the home side who were dictating play with Daragh Hosey pulling off a fantastic save to keep his team within touching distance. On a couple of occasions in a two minute period man of the match Aaron Meade came to his teams rescue with a couple of timely interventions to deny Ballisodare. Rovers slowly started to get a foot hold in the game and went close on a couple of occasions with Kieran Bloomfield firing over and Alan Power been denied by the keeper. On nineteen minutes Wicklow pulled one back when Kieran Bloomfield cut in from the right after good work from Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy and Lee Boylan and unleashed a fierce drive past the keeper to reduce the deficit. At this stage of the game Rovers were pouring forward in search of an equaliser, Kieran Bloomfield and James Nolan both had chances but were denied by the keeper. Ten minutes before the break Rovers scored a deserved leveller. Glen McCarthy placed an inch perfect pass into Kieran Bloomfield who smashed a thunderous effort to the net to give the keeper no chance. With five left in the half the away side were reduced to ten men amid controversy. The game petered out to the break with neither side having a chance of note. Rovers went out for the second half with the odds stacked against them but they gave themselves something to fight for with an excellent comeback from two goals down to level before the break. Things got even better for them a minute after the interval when Kieran Bloomfield raced onto a long through ball to delicately lob the advancing keeper to put Rovers 3-2 up to the delight of the large travelling support. The home side put the ten men of Rovers under extreme pressure from this point onwards but with the odds stacked against them Rovers man for man battled away. On sixty minutes Daragh Hosey came to Rovers rescue with an excellent save with Mark Egan on hand to clear the breaking ball. Rory O’Kelly and Liam Kavanagh were working overtime in the centre of the park trying to stem the tide and both players ran themselves to a stand still to effectively hold Ballisodare at bay. Lee Boylan and Alan Power were now acting as extra defenders as they fought for every ball. Aaron Meade seemed to be everywhere, he popped up on several occasions to deny the surging runs from the Ballisodare players. Andrew O’Brien typified the spirit of the Rovers team when he threw his body in front of a fierce drive from a Ballisodare player to block what looked a certain goal. Every member of the panel did his job in what was a great victory for the lads, their commitment and spirit was excellent as they battled through a long second half against a good Ballisodare team. Jimmy, Brian and the team would like to thank all the people who travelled to Sligo to cheer on the lads, it was this support which helped the lads through to the final whistle. Everyone at Wicklow Rovers AFC would also like to thank Ballisodare United for their hospitality during our visit.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O’Kelly, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Craig Waldron, Conor Moore, Brendan Hawes.

Rovers went into this game as underdogs against DDSL Premier side Mount Merrion in the last 16 of the National Cup. It was the home team who were first to threaten as Kieran Bloomfield saw his effort just clear the crossbar. After ten minutes Rovers went close again as James Nolan set Kieran Bloomfield away only for his effort to be blocked by the keeper. Mount Merrion then had a chance but Daragh Hosey was equal to it. The away side had a five minute spell of pressure on Rovers forcing a series of corners which Rovers defended well. The first half was end to end between two well matched sides with no quarter given. Seven minutes before the break disaster struck for Rovers, a powerful shot took a wicked kick up off the ground and hit a Rovers defender in what seemed to be the chest but the officials awarded a penalty for hand ball. The resulting penalty kick was clinically dispatched to the net to give the away side the lead. A minute later Rovers should have been level, an Alan Power cross from the right was met by Andrew O’Brien at the back post who seemed to have beaten the keeper with a powerful header but somehow the keeper managed to claw the ball away. Rovers pushed forward in search of an equaliser but just on the half time whistle they were caught out on the break, a well worked move up the left ended with the Mount Merrion striker tapping in from six yards. Rovers went in at the break 2-0 down but in fairness they should have been on level terms as they were more than a match for their opponents. The next goal was always going to be important, Rovers had a couple of half chances but it was the away side who got the all important goal to make it 3-0. The fourth goal came when Rovers failed to clear their lines and left Mount Merrion in comfortable position. Daragh Hosey pulled off an excellent save in the Rovers goal with ten minutes remaining. The game petered out but Rovers acquitted themselves well in the game and with a bit of luck on their side the score line could have been a lot closer. Rovers put in a good all round team performance and even though Mount Merrion ran out deserved victors the result flattered them a little bit, the lads can be very happy with their run in this years competition. Wicklow Rovers AFC would like to wish Mount Merrion the best of luck in the remainder of the competition.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Craig Waldron, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Rory O’Kelly, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Conor Moore, Brendan Hawes.

Under 16 Premier Cup Semi FinalArklow Town A 0 Wicklow Rovers A 0 AET[Arklow won 4-2 on penalties]

This was a tight encounter with both sides very cagey in the opening quarter with neither keeper been really tested. The first real chance of note came in the twenty first minute when Glen McCarthy met an Alan Power corner with his head only to see Tiernan Mellon in the Town goal to save. On the half hour mark Liam Kavanagh and Aaron Meade combined to set Kieran Bloomfield away only to see his effort drift the wrong side of the post. Two minutes later it was the home side’s turn to threaten, a powerful header looked like it had goal written all over it but Daragh Hosey in the Rovers goal was having none of it when he got down well at full stretch to turn the ball away. Just before the break Liam Kavanagh went close to putting Wicklow in front but the home was equal to it. The second half saw both defences on top through out. Rovers did have a couple of chances but failed to take them. In the last minute of normal time Kieran Bloomfield swung in an inviting corner crying for someone to get a touch but the ball drifted straight across the six yard box and harmlessly out of play. Twenty minutes of extra time failed to separate these two evenly matched sides and then it was on to the dreaded penalty shootout. Arklow were more prolific from the spot and came out on top by four penalties to two. Kieran Bloomfield and Aaron Meade were successful from the spot for Rovers.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Conor Moore, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Rory O’Kelly, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, James Nolan, Mark Egan, Craig Waldron, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 16/2/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 12.00 pm

Under 16 Premier LeagueWicklow Rovers A 1 Coolboy Rangers 0

This game was a repeat of the Premier Shield final which took place prior to Christmas, after a cagey opening to the game it was Rovers who were first to threaten. In the tenth minute a Rory O’Kelly free kick caused problems to the away defence with the ball eventually been hacked away. This was the only real chance of note created by the home team as it was the away side who dictated play creating chance after chance. Daragh Hosey in the Rovers goal was in excellent form and just as well for Rovers. Before the break Daragh Hosey was called on three times to make top class saves to keep Coolboy at bay, he was the difference between going in at the break two or three goals down and somehow the game was scoreless at the interval. The early part of the second half saw Wicklow step up the tempo, they raided down the right with Alan Power causing problems, two corners in quick succession saw first Liam Kavanagh head over and then the keeper saved well from Glen McCarthy. On fifty minutes Rovers won another corner, Kieran Bloomfield swung over the corner for Liam Kavanagh to rise and powerfully head home for the lead. From this point onwards it was Coolboy who made all the running, they carved out numerous chances but unfortunately for them they came up against a keeper in inspired form. Daragh Hosey was called to save at the midway point and then again on sixty five minutes he saved at point blank range. On seventy minutes Coolboy rattled the crossbar and luck was definitely with the home team again two minutes later when it looked certain the net was going to bulge but the ball struck the inside of the upright then rolled across the line to hit the other post and back into the keepers hands. Rovers held on to their lead to run out 1-0 winners but Coolboy will wonder how this one got away. On the day Daragh Hosey put in an excellent performance between the sticks for Rovers.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Conor Moore, Craig Waldron, Rory O’Kelly, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, James Nolan, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 11/3/13Comp: LeagueVenue: Bridgewater ParkKick Off: 10.00 am

Under 16 Premier LeagueArklow Town B 2 Wicklow Rovers 0

Rovers started on the front foot in this game, they created two clear cut chances in the first five minutes. Firstly Liam Kavanagh was unlucky to see his effort creep narrowly wide and then on five minutes Alan Power and Rory O’Kelly combined to set up Kieran Bloomfield who blasted over. In an evenly contested first half both sides had a lot of the ball without seriously threating the keepers. Just before the break Alan Power squared the ball to Kieran Bloomfield inside the six yard box but a moments hesitation from the striker allowed the home defence to clear. Shortly into the second period Daragh Hosey in the Rovers goal came to his sides rescue with two fantastic saves in the space of two minutes. Rovers also had a couple of chances early in the half but on both occasions they didn’t find the target. Just when it seemed neither team was going to score the home team broke the deadlock. Arklow attacked up the middle of the Rovers defence which finished with the Arklow number ten firing home to give the Rovers keeper no chance. Five minutes later slack defending from Wicklow allowed Arklow in for number two and the goal that sealed the three points. The last ten minutes saw Rovers push forward but they couldn’t break down a well organised Arklow defence. Daragh Hosey, Aaron Meade and Liam Kavanagh played well for Rovers.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O’Kelly, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, James Nolan, Craig Waldron, Conor Moore, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 13/4/13Comp: LeagueVenue: Finn ParkKick Off: 12.30 pm

Under 16 Premier LeagueSt Anthonys 3 Wicklow Rovers A 5

This match was played in terrible conditions, it rained from the first minute till the last and the wind swirled around the ground to make playing conditions extremely difficult, but in fairness to both teams they put on a highly entertaining game. Rovers were first to threaten as early as the first minute when Liam Kavanagh set up Lee Boylan, whose effort was turned away by the home keeper. St Anthonys first major attack came after five minutes and it resulted in them taking the lead. A surging run from the Anthonys player was slotted coolly past the advancing Daragh Hosey to give the keeper no chance. Rovers response was encouraging, first Kieran Bloomfield screwed the ball wide from six yards with the goal at his mercy then the same player was off target a couple of minutes later. On fifteen minutes Glen McCarthy was denied when the keeper saved his vicious half volley. Anthonys created a couple of half chances of their own without troubling the Rovers keeper. Midway through the half Wicklow levelled the game, Kieran Bloomfield cut in from the left, he unleashed a drive from thirty five yards out which found the top left hand corner of the net. The home side regained the lead on the half hour mark to go 2-1 up but Rovers battled back a second time when five minutes before the break Lee Boylan was on hand to fire home a Kieran Bloomfield corner to send the sides in at the interval all square at 2-2. It could have much different just before the break but Daragh Hosey pulled off a save at his near post to keep his team level. Disaster struck for Rovers two minutes into the second period when the home team went in front for the third time in the game when they headed home from a corner. Rovers pushed forward in search of an equaliser for a third time and they were rewarded on sixty minutes, Alan Power raced onto a through ball but went down under the challenge, Kieran Bloomfield calmly tucked the resulting spot kick away to make it 3-3. The next goal was always going to be crucial and for the first time in the match it was Rovers who went in front, Kieran Bloomfield picked the ball up wide out on the right, his cross field effort somehow found the roof of the net to complete his hat-trick and give the away side the lead for the first time. Rovers were in control at this stage as they pressed forward in search of the insurance goal. With ten minutes left James Nolan saw his shot from twenty yards drift just wide of the upright. St Anthonys did have a good chance on sixty five minutes but Brendan Hawes in the Rovers goal was equal to it to turn the ball away. In the dying minutes Rovers did get the all important fifth goal, James Nolan who put in a great shift when sprung from the bench won the ball out wide on the left, he went past an Anthonys player and laid the ball into Lee Boylan who in turn put a delightful pass out to Glen McCarthy, his cross was superbly finished by captain Liam Kavanagh to make it 5-3 and seal all three points. On a day more suited to water polo both teams put on a highly entertaining game and credit must be given to all players for playing some good football in difficult conditions. Rovers character was tested and they past the test coming from behind on three occasions to eventually go on to win the game. Craig Waldron was man of the match for Rovers, Liam Kavanagh, Lee Boylan, Glen McCarthy and James Nolan also did well in a good all round battling team performanceSQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Conor Moore, Craig Waldron, Aaron Meade, Rory O’Kelly, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Kieran Bloomfield, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, James Nolan, Mark Egan, Brendan Hawes.

Date: 20/4/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 12.00 pm

Under 16 Premier LeagueWicklow Rovers 7 Arklow Town B 0

Rovers went into this game looking for three points but before a ball was kicked they suffered a set back when three players pulled out of the game. The lads were up against a very strong Arklow side but the lads put in what was probably their best performance of the season. The first half hour of the game was fairly even with both sides creating half chances. Rovers were first to threaten when a combination of pressure from James Nolan and Darragh O’Connor set Kieran Bloomfield in on goal but his shot drifted wide of the post. The away side had a couple of half chances but the Rovers defence of Alan Power, Rory O’Kelly, Mark Egan and Andrew O’Brien were outstanding and limited Arklow to scraps. The home side were working hard in every department, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan and Daragh O’Connor worked their socks off in the middle of the park while James Nolan and Kieran Bloomfield caused numerous problems upfront. Midway through the half James Nolan worked the keeper with an overhead kick and two minutes later Kieran Bloomfield went close but his drive was well saved. Three minutes before the break Rovers won a corner, the resulting corner was swung over by Alan Power and met by the head of Lee Boylan whose goal bound effort was blocked on the line but Glen McCarthy was on hand to slam the ball home to put Rovers one up. Just on the stroke of half time Daragh Hosey in the Wicklow goal pulled off an excellent save, with the ball seemingly heading for the top right hand corner of the net he somehow clawed the ball away to safety to send the home team in at the interval one goal up. Rovers came out in the second period on the front foot and after four minutes they had doubled their lead, a long forty yard pass from Andrew O’Brien carved open the away defence and found Kieran Bloomfield who made no mistake as he powerfully fired past the advancing keeper. Two minutes later things got even better, Liam Kavanagh picked out Adam Copeland who slipped a defence splitting through ball into Kiaran Bloomfield who fired home for number three. On fifty three minutes Kieran Bloomfield turned provider when he found the ever busy Glen McCarthy who coolly slotted home for his second of the game and Rovers fourth. At this stage of the match the away side were shell shocked and it was the home side that were in control, they increased their lead on sixty four minutes Aaron Meade, Lee Boylan, Adam Copeland and Liam Kavanagh were all involved in a flowing move which resulting in them winning a corner. Kieran Bloomfield swung over the resulting corner and it was Rory O’Kelly who sneaked in at the back post to thunder the ball to the roof of the net to make it 5-0. On seventy minutes Glen McCarthy nearly completed his hat-trick but he could only watch in agony as his goal bound strike drifted just wide. Jamie Power replaced the injured Aaron Meade and was instantly involved when he set Kieran Bloomfield away with his first touch but the Arklow keeper came to his teams aid with a fantastic save. With four minutes left on the clock Jamie Power, Adam Copeland and Liam Kavanagh put together a neat move to set up Kieran Bloomfield to fire home. In the dying seconds Kieran Bloomfield went on a solo run up the left, he cut at the end line and curled a right footed effort into the far corner of the net for his fourth of the match to complete the scoring. Rovers complete squad gave a hundred percent in what was a great performance from every player on the day.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Alan Power, Rory O’Kelly, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Lee Boylan, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Darragh O’Connor, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Aaron Meade, Adam Copeland, Jamie Power.

Date: 27/4/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 12.00 pm

Under 16 Premier LeagueWicklow Rovers 1 Arklow Town A 0

This match was a tough tight encounter between two evenly matched sides, Rovers were first to go close when James Nolan saw his fifth minute effort well saved by Tiernan Mellon in the Arklow goal. Arklow went close themselve a couple of minutes later but could only watch as the effort rose over the bar. On twelve minutes Lee Boylan robbed the ball from an away defender and found himself one on one with the keeper, Lee tried to steer the ball around the Arklow custodian but the keeper was equal to it and saved well. Both sides had plenty of the ball as they both attacked in search of the first goal. In the space of three minutes on the half hour mark, the home side had two good chances. First James Nolan created space for himself turning the last defender and firing just over then Kieran Bloomfield forced the keeper to save. Arklow were not to be out done in the chances department as they also had a couple of openings of their own. A square ball across the six yard box just evaded the incoming forward and just before the break Daragh Hosey rescued his team when he raced off his line to block the Arklow striker’s shot to send the sides in level at the break. Rovers put early second half pressure on their opponents without creating a clear cut opening. Their first clear chance came in the fifty first minute when Darragh O’Connor got on the end of a Glen McCarthy through ball only to fire past the far post. The deadlock was broken in the sixty second minute when Lee Boylan and Liam Kavanagh both combined to find Kieran Bloomfield at the back post who fired a powerful right foot shot past the keeper. Rovers had an excellent chance shortly after when Glen McCarthy’s well struck shot was well saved. The last ten minutes saw Arklow surge forward in search of an equaliser and with six minutes remaining a goal bound effort which looked to be heading for the top corner was magnificently turned away by Rovers keeper Daragh Hosey. Rovers rearguard held firm in the final minutes to claim three hard earned points.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Alan Power, Rory O’Kelly, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Lee Boylan, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Aaron Meade, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, Conor Moore, Craig Waldron, Brendan Hawes.

Date:2/5/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 6.45 pm

Under 16 Premier LeagueWicklow Rovers A 6 St Anthonys 0

Rovers continued their recent good run when they defeated St Anthonys at the Whitegates. They got off to a flyer when after seven minutes they went in front. A long raking ball from Kieran Bloomfield out on the left caught out the keeper and Darragh O’Connor was on hand to tap home the rebound. The home side dictated play early on and on thirteen minutes they went close to extending their lead, a long ball out of defence from Andrew O’Brien found Kieran Bloomfield, whose first time shot sailed just over. A minute later Rory O’Kelly and Alan Power combined to set up Darragh O’Connor whose effort was saved well by the away keeper. On twenty five minutes Rovers doubled their lead, Kieran Bloomfield swung in a corner which was met powerfully by the head of Andrew O’Brien to the roof of the net for number two. Things got better four minutes later, a sweeping move down the left with Rory O’Kelly, Kieran Bloomfield and Lee Boylan all involved set up Darragh O’Connor to fire home number three. In the thirty first minute Liam Kavanagh picked up a pass from Andrew O’Brien just outside the area, he embarked on a solo run going past three defenders before blasting a low effort into the bottom right hand corner to make it 4-0. Two minutes later Liam Kavanagh fired in another shot but the away keeper saved well. Five minutes before the break Alan Power attacked at pace on the right, found Darragh O’Connor in the box who in turn went past the defender before firing low into the bottom right hand corner. The second half started with the home team going close, Lee Boylan found James Nolan with an inch perfect pass, James Nolan turned inside the defender and watched as his effort crept past the post. On forty nine minutes Lee Boylan put Kieran Bloomfield in but he was denied by the keeper. On the hour mark Glen McCarthy skipped past two challenges and laid the ball to Kieran Bloomfield who lobbed the ball to Alan Power who chipped the advancing keeper to make it 6-0. Two minutes later the best move of the game saw Glen McCarthy, Liam Kavanagh, Lee Boylan, Alan Power and James Nolan all involved in a passing move that finished with the Anthonys keeper pulling off a fantastic save from James Nolan. The remaining minutes saw no real clear cut chances and the game petered out to the end.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O’Kelly, Aaron Meade, Andrew O’Brien, Mark Egan, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, Darragh O’Connor, Kieran Bloomfield, James Nolan, Craig Waldron, Conor Moore.

Date:10/5/13Comp: LeagueVenue: Bridgewater ParkKick Off: 6.45 pm

Under 16 Premier LeagueArklow Town A 0 Wicklow Rovers 4

Wicklow travelled to Arklow knowing a victory against their closest rivals would see them lift the premier title, they got off to a dream start when after five minutes team captain Liam Kavanagh got on the end of an Alan Power cross to head home with the first chance of the game. Five minutes later it should have been 2-0 only for a great save from Tiernan Mellon in the Arklow goal to deny Kieran Bloomfield. On fifteen minutes James Nolan slipped a neat ball into Glen McCarthy who saw his shot clawed away by the home netminder. At this stage it was Rovers who were in control and the Rovers rearguard of Daragh Hosey in the goal and the back four of Rory O'Kelly, Craig Waldron, Andrew O'Brien and Aaron Meade mopped up any Arklow attacks. Rovers looked dangerous everytime they attacked, Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy were pulling the strings in the middle of the park with the two wide players Lee Boylan and Alan Power putting in tremendous work on the flanks. In the space of two minutes midway through the half Liam Kavanagh went close when his twenty yard effort just cleared the bar and then Glen McCarthy saw a shot saved by the keeper. James Nolan and Kieran Bloomfield were constant thorns in the Arklow defence as they pressurised them at every opportunity. Five minutes before the break Rovers were awarded a penalty for hand ball, Kieran Bloomfield stepped up and hit a hard powerful spot kick that Tieran Mellon done very well to get a strong hand to turn away, but the Rovers player was first to react to slam home the breaking ball to make it 2-0. Just on the stroke of half time Wicklow had another chance, this time it was James Nolan who went close, he received the ball on the edge of the area with his back to goal, swivelled to fire his effort just wide of the goals. The second half started in that same vein with Rovers pushing forward in search of number three. Two minutes into the second period Darragh O'Connor was denied by the keeper. Tiernan Mellon was called on again in the forty seventh minute to get down to turn away a Kieran Bloomfield pile driver. On the hour mark Lee Boylan danced his way past two challenges out on the left before finding Glen McCarthy in the middle with an inch perfect pass, Glen ran at the centre of the home defence before unleashing an unstoppable screamer from twenty five yards out into the top right hand corner to kill the game off. With ten minutes left on the clock Kieran Bloomfield was clinical with his finish when he coolly slotted a first time effort into the bottom right hand corner. With time running out Conor Moore picked the ball up out on the left, cut in and drove a shot narrowly wide. This was an excellent performance from the Rovers team who stamped their authority on the game right from the start.SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O'Kelly, Craig Waldron, Aaron Meade, Andrew O'Brien, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O'Connor, Conor Moore, Brendan Hawes. Mark Egan is also part of the squad but was out sick on the night. Well done to the lads on completing a premier league and shield double. The team is managed by Jimmy Nolan and Brian O'Connor. The team would like to thank the parents and their families who have supported them through out the season. Also they would like to thank the Wicklow Rovers executive committee for all their support during the season.

Date: 15/5/13Comp: LeagueVenue: CoolafancyKick Off: 7.00 pm

Under 16 Premier LeagueCoolboy Rangers 1 Wicklow Rovers 2

Rovers went into this game already crowned league champions after a fantastic run of five wins on the spin. These two sides had met on three occasions already this season with Rovers coming out on top on each occasion which included victory in the premier shield final. Each of those three games were tight affairs between two evenly matched teams with only a goal seperating them in all three games. This game was to be no different. It was Rovers who started the best as they took the game to the home side, ten minutes were gone on the clock when Liam Kavanagh received the ball on the edge of the area, he let fly with his right foot only to see his shot rattle the crossbar and away to safety. Wicklow played some neat passing football and on eighteen minutes Kieran Bloomfield forced the home keeper into a good save. From the midway point of the half the home side started to see more of the ball and went close a couple of times, first a good move by Coolboy came to an end when Conor Moore made a timely interception and then five minutes before the break Daragh Hosey in the Rovers goal came to his team's rescue when he raced off his line to bravely block at the Coolboy player's feet. The whistle was blown for half time with the game deadlocked at 0-0 which was probably a fair reflection in the play. The second period started with both sides having chances early on, in the forty first minute a delicate one-two involving Liam Kavanagh and Darragh O'Connor with the former squaring the ball to James Nolan who.in turn was denied by the keeper.Four minutes later it was the home team who went close,a first time effort from just inside the area drifted the wrong side of the post. On forty nine minutes a beautiful through ball from Kieran Bloomfield set Lee Boylan away on goal whose attempted lob over the advancing keeper just cleared the bar. From the resulting kick out Coolboy broke up field and caught the Rovers rearguard napping to score what was the first goal Wicklow had conceded in five games. Rovers stepped up their game as they piled forward in search of an equaliser, on the hour mark Glen McCarthy weaved his way through the centre of the home defence only to be denied by the out stretched hand of the home keeper. Alan Power then went close, he battled hard to win the ball out on the right as he disposed a home defender and went past two challenges only for his rising shot to sail narrowly over. At this stage Rovers were pushing forward looking for a leveller but it was by no means one way with Coolboy creating chances to increase their lead. Daragh Hosey raced off his line to clear and on another occasion a combination of Andrew O'Brien and Craig Waldron helped clear their lines. With ten minutes left on the clock a good move for Wicklow with Alan Power, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Glen McCarthy and Liam Kavanagh all involved resulted in a Rovers free kick. Andrew O'Brien floated the dead ball into the danger area which caused havoc, Darragh O'Connor got on the end of the ball to send in a looping header which came back of the crossbar with the impressive Liam Kavanagh the first player to react to bravely force the ball home to bring his team level. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, James Nolan laid the ball back to the ever busy Glen McCarthy who found Lee Boylan, his through ball put in Kieran Bloomfield who was denied by an excellent challenge from the home defender, with the ball breaking loose Kieran Bloomfield was pulled down as he tried to get up and away. Kieran dusted himself down and stepped up to blast the ball home for his twenty ninth goal of the season. Coolboy had one chance in injury time for an equaliser but Rovers had Lee Boylan who put in a good shift working tirelessly all evening to thank as he tracked back to challenge and clear the danger. Rovers ran out 2-1 winners in what was a closely fought game as usual between these two sides. It brought an end to highly successful season for Rovers claiming a premier league and shield double as well as progressing to the last sixteen of the National cup. SQUAD: Daragh Hosey, Rory O'Kelly, Craig Waldron, Conor Moore, Andrew O'Brien, Lee Boylan, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Darragh O'Connor, James Nolan, Kieran Bloomfield, Alan Power. Not available for above game and part of the squad were Mark Egan, Aaron Meade and Brendan Hawes.

This match was slow to get going with both teams playing safe and a lot of the play in and around the middle of the park. The first chance of note came after fifteen minutes when Luke Byrne weaved his way past two defenders only to fire his shot narrowly wide. Ten minutes later Darren Kavanagh, Maurice Dunne and Mark O’Sullivan all combined to set up Luke Byrne who blasted over from the edge of the area. A minute later it was Mark O’Sullivan’s turn to try his luck but his effort was off target. The deadlock was broken in the twenty eighth minute and it was the home side who made the break through, a flowing move involving Luke Byrne, Mark O’Sullivan and Sean Duffy ended with Mark O’Sullivan coolly slotting the ball past the advancing keeper into the bottom right hand corner. Rovers had a good chance to increase their lead a couple of minutes later but the away keeper denied Mark Delaney with a good save. Twelve minutes before the break the sides were level with Glenmore/Dundrum equalising when the Rovers rearguard got caught napping. In truth up to this point the Rovers defence of Darren Kavanagh, Jay Waters, Ricki Quinn and Mark Delaney were excellent and hadn’t put a foot wrong. On the stroke of half time Maurice Dunne restored Rovers lead when he rifled home from thirty yards to send the lads in at the break 2-1 up. The second half saw the visitors come out on the front foot but they found the home defence very stubborn and giving very little away. A goalmouth scramble saw Rovers have the chance to increase their lead, Maurice Dunne and Sean Tobin both had chances but failed to convert. In the fifty sixth minute the away side went close with an effort that crept past the upright. On the hour mark Alan Duffy came to Rovers rescue pulling off an excellent save. At this stage the next goal was going to be important and thankfully it was Rovers who obliged, a long ball over the top from Sean Duffy found Maurice Dunne who won the race to the ball and then delicately lobbed the keeper for his second and Rovers third. The away side could have had an instant reply but the alert Alan Duffy did well to advance from his line to block. Luke Byrne was just off target moments later but with five minutes of normal time left Maurice Dunne completed his hat-trick to seemingly put the game to bed. Maurice beat the offside trap to send a thunderous effort into the top left hand corner of the net. With a minute left on the clock the away team scored with a well taken header with what seemed no more than a consolation goal but somehow the referee found an unbelievable eight minutes of added time. In this time Glenmore/Dundrum added a third goal to make the last couple of minutes very nervy but Rovers held on to gain three valuable points and a confidence boosting victory. In truth it was no more than the lads deserved, it was a good all round team performance, Alan Duffy was excellent in the goals when called on, overall the defence was solid through out while the midfield and forwards worked hard. Finally the highlight of the game was three fantastic strikes from Maurice Dunne each finish clinically dispatched.TEAM: Alan Duffy, Jay Waters, Darren Kavanagh, Mark Delaney, Ricki Quinn, Sean Duffy, Sean Tobin, Mark O’Sullivan, Maurice Dunne, Luke Byrne, Ian Brannigan.SUBS: Jim Foley, Conor Tobin, Aidan O’Neill, Shane Morley.

Date: 15/9/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 11.30 am

Leinster Senior Division 1BWicklow Rovers A 1 Portmarnock FC 4

Rovers went into this game on the back of a good run of late but unfortunately it came to an abrupt end at the weekend. The away side made their intentions known straight from the start with a couple of strong challenges. After three minutes Davy Rowan had to be alert throwing his body in front of the Portmarnock striker to block his goal bound shot. It was the Dublin side who made all the early running and on seven minutes they went in front. The Portmarnock striker picked the ball up in the centre of the park, he ran at the Rovers defence before unleashing a powerful drive from thirty five yards to find the back of the net. A minute later Rovers had an excellent opportunity to draw level. Sean Duffy capitalised on a mess up in the away defence but his shot went agonising past the far post. On eighteen minutes Alan Duffy pulled off a good save to deny Portmarnock. Midway through the half Mark O'Sullivan slipped Luke Byrne away but his effort was deflected out for a corner which came to nothing. On the half hour mark Luke Byrne created space for himself only for his tame shot being easily saved by the keeper. This game was bubbling under the surface with a lot of niggling fouls and tussles going on around the pitch and it was no surprise when a player from each side received their marching orders five minutes before the break for an altercation off the ball. Before the break both sides had a chance of note each, first Sean Tobin headed a Luke Byrne free kick just wide and then Alan Duffy came to Rovers rescue parrying the ball away. The first minute of the second period saw Sean Tobin work his way down the right wing only to be cynically taken down. The resulting free was swung across the away teams six yard box crying out for someone to get on the end of it but the ball ended out over the far touch line. Fifty five minutes were gone when Portmarnock increased their lead and worse was to come six minutes later when the away number seventeen won the race to the ball to blast his effort past Alan Duffy in the Wicklow goal to put the match beyond doubt. In the sixty third minute Mark Delaney found Luke Byrne but his shot was well off target. With three minutes left on the clock Ricki Quinn burst into the area to slot home a consolation goal for the home team. In injury time the visitors added a fourth firing home a free kick from the edge of the area. In truth on the day the best team won. Davy Rowan, Ricki Quinn and second half substitute Mark Delaney were Rovers best players on the day in what was a very patchy performance. TEAM: Alan Duffy, Jay Waters, Ian Brannigan, Davy Rowan, Ricki Quinn, Sean Duffy, Greg Dunne, Tommy Smullen, Sean Tobin, Mark O'Sullivan, Luke Byrne. SUBS: Mark Delaney, Ciaran McGettigan, Maurice Dunne.

Rovers went into this game as underdogs against a side who were ranked two leagues above them and steeped in cup history. The away side went close in the opening minutes striking the foot of the post. On seven minutes Peter Finnegan saw his shot deflected out for a corner, which came to nothing. In the eleventh minute Rovers could have went in front, first Ricki Quinn had his effort blocked and Gareth Murphy saw his shot from the breaking ball saved well by the keeper. The home side were more than a match for St Francis and on the quarter hour mark Gareth Murphy found Luke Byrne who was denied by the keeper. Midway through the half Simon Alexander in the Rovers goal saved bravely at the away striker’s feet with Davy Rowan getting back to clear the breaking ball. The Rovers defence was unlocked in the thirty third minute when a long ball over the top caught them out and the St Francis man clinically finished for the opening goal. St Francis went close a minute later to increasing their lead but their effort went just wide. Davy Rowan and Mark Delaney were outstanding at the centre of the home rearguard and they both came to their team’s rescue with timely challenges approaching the half time whistle. The first fifteen minutes of the second period saw both sides create a couple of half chances but nothing that troubled either keeper. Rovers drew level on the hour mark, Maurice Dunne fire in a powerful free kick, which was turned away by the keeper with Gareth Murphy alert to the breaking ball to finish for the equaliser. Two minutes later the same player was on hand to score, Ricki Quinn combined with Luke Byrne with the latter fizzing the ball across the six yard box for Gareth Murphy to blast to the roof of the net for the lead. With fifteen minutes left on the clock St Francis drew level from the penalty spot but even at this stage Rovers were more than a match for their opponents but the turning point came with eleven minutes remaining when they were reduced to ten men when Luke Byrne received a second yellow card for dissent. This signalled an onslaught from the away side and in the last five minutes the pressure told with the Dublin side adding two goals to win the game 4-2 to break Rovers hearts. Simon Alexander was solid between the posts, Davy Rowan and Mark Delaney were excellent in the centre of the defence while Ricki Quinn and Gareth Murphy worked tirelessly on the flanks in a good all round team performance.TEAM: Simon Alexander, Jay Waters, Ian Brannigan, Davy Rowan, Mark Delaney, Ricki Quinn, Peter Finnegan, Sean Duffy, Tommy Smullen, Gareth Murphy, Luke Byrne.SUBS: Maurice Dunne, Jim Foley, Simon Bouchier, Darren Kavanagh, Alan Duffy.

Date: 2/2/14Comp: Metropolitan CupVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.00 pm

Metropolitan Cup 2nd RoundWicklow Rovers 2 Rathcoole Boys 3

On Sunday afternoon Wicklow Rovers first team entertained Dublin outfit Rathcoole Boys in the Second Round of the Metropolitan Cup. It was always going to be a tough game for Rovers against higher ranked opposition.The first chance of the game went to the visitors after five minutes when Des McGrath of Rathcoole broke through the Rovers defence but Rovers keeper Simon Alexander was able to get down low to push the effort away. It only took a minute for Rathcoole to earn their second chance of the game when Alan Wren picked up the ball at the edge of the Wicklow penalty area and let fly forcing Simon Alexander to dive full stretch to tip the ball around the post for a corner.In the 12th minute Rovers went ahead against the run of play when Mark O’Sullivan broke through the away defence but as he went to round the keeper, the keeper got his foot to deflect it away only for Jim Foley to be alert and to float the ball over the stranded keeper and into the net. But Rathcoole struck back in the 15th minute when they were awarded a penalty much to the shock of the entire ground. The visitors scored the spot kick to make it 1-1.For the next 15-20 minutes of the game both teams chances were limited until the 33rd minute when Ian Brannigan picked up the ball in midfield playing it to Sean Duffy who passed it on to Mark O’Sullivan who slotted the ball past the keeper to give Rovers the lead for the second time in the game. There were no more noteworthy chances for either team in the remainder of the half and Rovers went in to the break with a 2-1 advantage.A minute into the second half Rovers were caught napping when Dermot Devoy stole in to score and make it 2-2. On the hour mark Jim Foley made a run down the wing and played a cross into the area, which just evaded Richard Murphy in the six yard box. A few minutes later Simon Alexander was called into action to save well and deny Rathcoole.With ten minutes remaining Luke Byrne made a run down the right playing a cross in to Richard Murphy who blasted over. With the game looking to be heading for extra time Rathcoole’s Peter Finn popped up to score in the 87th minute with a half volley which proved to be the decisive goal. However Rovers did not give up, a minute later they played a long ball over the top from the back to Richard Murphy who lobbed the ball just past the post. Rathcoole Boys managed to see out the rest of the game to book their place in the third round of the Metropolitan Cup.

Rovers went into this game on the back of an excellent draw away to Verona in their first game of the season last week. The game started with both sides been very cagey with a lot of the play around the middle part of the pitch. Rovers were first to threaten with Jim Foley and Ciaran McGettigan combining to send Brendan Manning away, only to be denied by the covering defender. After fifteen minutes Ciaran Doyle was unlucky when his shot from the edge of the area hit the side netting. Three minutes later Rovers should have scored, Brendan Manning robbed the ball from the feet of the Newbridge keeper but somehow the keeper recovered to block. First chance of note for the away team came in the twenty first minute when from a corner they headed just over. A couple of minutes later Ciaran Doyle had to be alert to get back to make a last ditch challenge just inside the area when it looked like the Newbridge player was through on goal. The writing was on the wall and just before the half hour mark the away team went in front, a long ball over the top saw the Newbridge man win the race to the ball to slot past Alan Duffy in the Rovers goal. In the last five minutes of the half the home side three good chances to level the game, first Jim Foley created space on the edge of the box but his drive went just the wrong side of the upright. Then the same player fired in a free kick which was excellently saved by the keeper. In injury time Ciaran Doyle saw his effort sail over the bar. Rovers should have equalised as early as the first minute of the second period, the ball bounced around the area like a pin ball machine crying out for someone to provide the finishing touch but it wasn’t to be with the ball finally been cleared. On fifty minutes Alan Duffy kept his team in it when he raced off his line to smother the ball at the forwards feet. After an hour it was Jim Foley who again went close, this time shaving the outside of the woodwork from a free out on the left. Alan Duffy was called on again a minute later pulling off a good save down low at his near post. After sixty six minutes the Kildare outfit doubled their lead with a well taken goal somewhat against the run of play. Rovers heads didn’t drop though and a minute later they pulled one back, Conor Tobin raced down the right flank going past the full back and then crossing low and hard to find the incoming Ciaran McGettigan to slam the ball home for his second goal in as many games to give his team hope. With fifteen minutes remaining Brendan Manning well struck free was palmed away by the keeper. Twelve minutes were left on the clock when Newbridge were reduced to ten men for a second bookable offence. This was to signal an onslaught from the home team. Firstly Conor Tobin sent in a dangerous cross but the ball evaded everyone. Rovers piled forward creating half chances but Newbridge defended strongly. In injury time Rovers scored what they thought was a well deserved equaliser only for the referee to rule it out for offside. The away side held out to claim all three points. In what was a good all round team performance from the home team who were only put together in the last couple of weeks the outlook is good as they can only get stronger as they play more games together.TEAM: Alan Duffy, Lee Fitzpatrick, Jonathon Dunne, Paul Forde, Shane Morley, Ciaran Doyle, Jim Foley, Aidan O’Neill, Brendan Manning, Conor Tobin, Ciaran McGettigan.SUBS: Liam Theobald. Barry Fitzgerald, Donal Fitzgerald.

A windy and cold Saturday afternoon saw a young Wicklow Rovers second team take on league leaders Killester Utd. The two teams previously played out a 9-5 score line in the return fixture, so this one had potential to be a cracker.Despite being under dogs it was Rovers who were the fastest out of the traps with plenty of early pressure which lead to their first chance after five minutes when John O’Brien forced the keeper into a save from distance. A few minutes later Ciaran McGettigan put the ball in the net for Rovers, only to have his goal disallowed for offside.Sean Knowd was next to test the Killester keeper in the 14th minute but the goalie was equal to it and saved well. The visitors gradually started to play their way into the game and in the 17th minute they had their first chance when number 11 fired wide. Nineteen minutes in Aidan O’Neill made a run down the wing, playing a cross into Sean Knowd who had his effort superbly tipped around the post by the keeper to keep Rovers at bay.Wicklow continued to press forward and cause problems with Craig Jameson having a shot well blocked by the Killester defender after 25 minutes. The next twenty minutes were a more even affair with Killester having a run of chances. In the 26th minute Killester’s number 9 played in a peach of a cross to the striker who only managed to head wide. After 33 minutes Killester’s number 2 forced Rovers keeper Lee Fitzpatrick into his first save of the game which he made well.A few minutes later in the 38th minute Killester should have taken the lead when a ball was played into their number 9 who missed a sitter. In the 42nd minute Rovers got back on track when Ciaran McGettigan had a shot well stopped by the in form Killester goalkeeper. In stoppage time Aidan O’Neill beat two defenders in the box and let fly but the Killester defender went full stretch to clear off the line to deny Wicklow once again. Rovers had the better play in the first half but the half time score was 0-0.Killester were quickest out of the blocks in the second half when after only 2 minutes they shot wide from a corner. In the 50th minute Joe Quinn fired a shot destined for goal but the effort was deflected wide off a Killester defender. Five minutes later Jonathan Dunne made an impressive run down the wing playing into Sean Knowd in the box who had his volley brilliantly saved by the keeper. The next 15 minutes was a very tight affair with neither sides forcing any clear cut chances. In the 72nd minute Killester thought they had taken the lead but Daryl Sullivan did excellent to clear the effort off the line.Killester began piling on the pressure and with 15 minutes remaining they had a header off a corner saved by Fitzpatrick in the Wicklow net.Shortly after in the 78th minute Rovers were awarded a free kick 30 yards out which Darren Kavanagh struck well wide. On the next play Killester scored when a clearance fell straight to their number 11 who let fly from 25 yards out with his shot nestling into the bottom right hand corner, past Lee Fitzpatrick.Killester weren’t settling for just one, in the 82nd minute they forced a massive goal line scramble in the Rovers box, which was eventually cleared safely away. Four minutes later the Dublin outfit doubled their lead when number 10 capitalised on dodgy defending by Rovers to go through on goal and dink the ball over the advancing Lee Fitzpatrick. From here on the game fizzled out with Craig Jameson having the last chance of the game when he saw his header go wide. The full time whistle went with the visitors taking all three points to extend their lead at the top of the table. Wicklow Rovers can argue that they could of got something out of this game but they just weren’t clinical enough in front of goal on the day. Jonathan Dunne and Craig Jameson were the standout performers for Rovers on the day.

Rovers started the better of the two teams controlling the game for long periods, Darragh O’Connor latched onto a through ball from Sean Dease only to shoot narrowly past the upright. A minute later Ross Quinn saw his shot just sail over. On eight minutes Aaron Meade found Sean Dease from a free kick, Sean turned infield and unleashed a powerful strike that found the net to put Rovers one up. Wicklow continued on the front foot and they increased their lead when Ross Quinn saw his drive parried away but Glen McCarthy was quickest to the breaking ball to slot home. Four minutes later Ross Quinn, Glen McCarthy, Liam Kavanagh and Alan Power were all involved in a neat passing move which ended with Kieran Bloomfield in on goal but his effort was saved. At this stage Rovers were on top with Ross Quinn and Liam Kavanagh dictating the play and Lee Boylan and Sean Dease causing problems on the flanks.. Just before the break Alan Power and Sean Dease combined to set up Darragh O’Connor whose first time effort was saved well. The home side came out stronger in the second period but found the rearguard of Liam Kavanagh, Aaron Meade, Alan Power and Mikey Treanor rock solid. When Coolboy did get past the Rovers defence they found Kyle Flynn in the Rovers goal in superb form pulling off two great saves. Midway through the half Coolboy were denied by the woodwork with Shane Carty on hand to clear the breaking ball. Coolboy pulled one back with six minutes left on the clock but Rovers held out to claim three hard earned points.SQUAD: Kyle Flynn, Alan Power, Mikey Treanor, Aaron Meade, Liam Kavanagh, Sean Dease, Ross Quinn, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, Kieran Bloomfield, Darragh O’Connor, James Nolan, Shane Carty, Jamie Power.

Date: 29/9/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Under 17 LeagueWicklow Rovers 1 St Anthonys 2

Rovers went into this game on the back of a good win away to Coolboy Rangers last week but it was the visitors who started the brighter in this game. As early as two minutes Kyle Flynn had to be alert to save well. All the early attacking play was been made by the away side and after fifteen minutes they went in front when their striker stole unmarked to head home from a corner. Shortly afterwards it was 2-0 when they cut through the Rovers rearguard to double their lead to give the home team a mountain to climb. They did have a three good chances to reduce the deficit, first Ross Quinn went close from the edge of the area firing just wide then Conor O'Brien saw his effort turned away. Liam Kavanagh's first time effort saw the keeper scurry across his line to save. Rovers keepee Kyle Flynn was called on in injury time to parry the ball away to prevent St Anthonys increasing their lead. Rovers never really got going in the first period and nothing seem to go right for them with every breaking ball falling the way of the visitors. The second half saw Wicklow pile on the pressure. In the space of the first five minutes Glen McCarthy went close twice firing just over on both occasions. Conor O'Brien also went close shooting narrowly past the post. The second half was all Rovers, creating chance after chance but a mixture of bad luck and good defending kept Rovers at bay. At this stage of the game Liam Kavanagh and Ross Quinn were controlling the centre of the park with Conor O'Brien, Lee Boylan and Alan Power causing havoc on the flanks but it was Glen McCarthy who was a thorn in the visitors side proving a handful to control. When St Anthonys did break upfield Brian O'Sullivan came to the home teams rescue twice with two well timed challenges. It was no surprise that it was Glen McCarthy who was on hand to finish the ball to the back of the net to give Wicklow a lifeline with eight minutes remaining. Rovers did have the opportunities in the remaining minutes to draw level. Lee Boylan, Glen McCarthy and Darragh O'Connor were all unlucky not to score an equaliser with the game finishing 2-1 to the visitors. The first half saw Rovers huff and puff creating half chances but the second period was totally different as they controlled the game for long passages creating plenty of openings.SQUAD: Kyle Flynn, Alan Power, Mikey Treanor, Aaron Meade, Liam Kavanagh, Conor O'Brien, Sean Dease, Ross Quinn, Glen McCarthy, James Nolan, Lee Boylan, Darragh O'Connor, Shane Carty, Brian O'Sullivan.

Date: 5/10/13Comp: FAI Umbro CupVenue: FairgreenKick Off: 1.00

FAI Umbro Under 17 CupCallan United (Kilkenny) 2 Wicklow Rovers 1

Wicklow went into this game short of a few regulars and very much under strength. The early stages were very cagey with both teams taking any risks. Rovers were first to threaten when Liam Kavanagh fired in a vicious half volley which was turned away by the home keeper. On fifteen minutes Kyle Flynn had to be alert to block the ball at the feet of the incoming striker. At the twenty minute mark the home side took the lead with a well taken goal after a neat passing move. Rovers showed their fighting spirit as they went in search of an equaliser. Alan Power was a constant threat on the right flank and it was no surprise when he levelled the game when he slotted home on the half hour mark. A couple of minutes prior to his goal the keeper denied the same player when his well struck effort was well saved. The home side then put Rovers under a spell of sustained pressure but they could find no way past a stubborn Wicklow rear guard of Shane Carty, Aaron Meade, Sean Dease and Jamie Power. The lads went in at the break all square at 1-1 and well deserved it was. Rovers came out on the front foot in the second period with Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy controlling the centre of the park and Alan Power and Mikey Treanor causing problems on the flanks. Upfront James Nolan and Oisin Breen were working tirelessly chasing and closing everything down. They had their chances too, James Nolan went close but his right foot shot sailed over. Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy both had chances but were denied on both occasions by the keeper. The home side had a couple of chances of their own but Kyle Flynn was equal to both efforts. With ten minutes remaining Callan took the lead with a scrappy goal to break the Wicklow hearts. Rovers went in search of an equaliser, Aaron Meade tried his luck with two free kicks but both just cleared the bar and then Josh Browne was blocked when it looked like he had beaten the home back line to the ball. The game ended 2-1 to Callan but the lads can count themselves a touch unlucky as their performance deserved more from the game. It was a good all round team performance from the lads and with a bit of luck going their way the result could have been so different. SQUAD: Kyle Flynn, Aaron Meade, Shane Carty, Sean Dease, Jamie Power, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Mikey Treanor, James Nolan, Oisin Breen, Josh Browne.

Rovers started the game brightly attacking from the off. After three minutes they had a golden chance to go in front, Alan Power swung over a corner to the back post which was headed back across goal by Brian O'Sullivan, Glen McCarthy met the ball and connected sweetly only to see his effort shave the outside of the post. Rovers controlled the early stages of the game with Conor O'Brien and Alan Power on the right flank and Aaron Meade and Mikey Treanor on the left causing problems for the home team. Wicklow went in front after fifteen minutes, an Alan Power throw found the feet of Glen McCarthy who turned two defenders to rifle home an unstoppable shot for the lead. A minute later it could have been better, Liam Kavanagh picked up a neat pass from Lee Boylan but could only look on as his shot from the edge of the area sailed just over. Enniskerry had a couple of half chances themselves but on both occasions the impressive partnership of Brian O'Sullivan and Sean Dease snuffed them out. On eighteen minutes a flowing move involving Conor O'Brien, Alan Power, Lee Boylan and Liam Kavanagh ended with James Nolan's well struck shot just missing the target. At the midway point Rovers increased their lead, Conor O'Brien started the move from the right full spot, he found Liam Kavanagh in the centre who sprayed the ball out to Alan Power who kept the move flowing with a delicate pass inside to Glen McCarthy. McCarthy squared to James Nolan who fired at goal but the keeper parried the ball out but O'Brien was quickest to react to slam the ball into the net. Just before the break the home side had a spell of pressure but the Rovers rearguard were in no mood to be breached and when they did unlock the defence Kyle Flynn in the Wicklow goal was on hand making a couple of good saves. Just before the half time whistle Lee Boylan and Liam Kavanagh combined to set Mikey Treanor in on goal in what looked a perfectly timed run, Treanor coolly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper only for the goal to ruled out for offside. The second period saw the home team press Rovers early on in search of a way back in to the game, they rattled the woodwork on one occasion and then Kyle Flynn was called on to make an excellent save to preserve their two goal cushion. Rovers had chances of their own and from one of those chances they increased their lead, on seventy minutes they won a corner thanks to the persistent pressure from James Nolan. From the resulting Alan Power corner, Liam Kavanagh climbed highest to bullet a fantastic header past the keeper. With ten minutes left on the clock the lively Colin O'Toole who caused problems for Enniskerry on the left wing when introduced at half time won a corner, Alan Power swung over another excellent delivery to the back post where the impressive Brian O'Sullivan nodded home for a goal that topped off a fine personal performance for O'Sullivan. In the dying minutes Rovers created three more chances, Darragh O'Connor had two, the first saw him race onto a Glen McCarthy through ball but his lobbed effort fell the wrong side of the post. Then he won the race with the keeper after Liam Kavanagh split the defence only this time he blasted wide. The third chance came when Hugh Humby done great work to regain possession and then set Colin O'Toole away on the left, O'Toole's cross was met by Sean Dease who shot wide. With ten seconds remaining Rovers had a player dismissed in what was a very harsh decision as it was a total accidental clash with two players going for the ball. This was a good all round team performance from Wicklow. Every man did his job on the day with everyone working hard and giving it their all.SQUAD : Kyle Flynn, Conor O'Brien, Aaron Meade, Brian O'Sullivan, Sean Dease, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Lee Boylan, Mikey Treanor, James Nolan, Glen McCarthy, Darragh O'Connor, Colin O'Toole, Hugh Humby, Jamie Power.

Date : 3/11/13Comp : LeagueVenue : Rocky RoadKick Off : 12.00

Under 17 Wicklow LeagueWicklow Rovers 8 Greystones United 1

Rovers entertained league leaders Greystones United at the weekend and what a performance they turned in. The away team came to Wicklow with four wins from four games, which saw them top the league. The home side were fast out of the traps and could have been in front in the first couple of minutes. In the first minute good work from Ross Quinn and Liam Kavanagh set up James Nolan whose shot was just off target. A minute later Lee Boylan cut in from the left but his well placed effort was turned away by the keeper. On seven minutes Wicklow went in front, Ross Quinn picked the ball up in the centre of the park, his perfect through ball found Colin O'Toole who placed the ball past the advancing keeper. Greystones were level after fourteen minutes when a deflected shot wrong footed the Rovers keeper. Rovers restored their lead after twenty five minutes, a long kick out from Kyle Flynn found Glen McCarthy whose reverse pass sent Colin O'Toole clear of the away team's rearguard to slot low and hard into the bottom left hand corner. On the half hour mark Glen McCarthy was denied by an excellent save from the keeper. After thirty five minutes it was 3-1, a Ross Quinn corner was met by James Nolan but his goal bound shot was cleared off the line but McCarthy was on hand to fire home. When Greystones did get forward they got little change from the Rovers defence of Alan Power, Brian O'Sullivan, Sean Dease and Mikey Treanor. Things got better for the home team just before the break, a good move on the left involving Mikey Treanor and Lee Boylan won Rovers a corner. Quinn swung over the corner which was headed out but Sean Dease was on hand to fire home to the net from twenty yards to make it 4-1. The home side came out in the second period on the front foot straight away and Colin O'Toole was denied his hat-trick when the keeper pulled off a magnificent save. Three minutes later O'Toole nabbed his hat-trick, Liam Kavanagh combined with Ross Quinn to set up O'Toole who coolly slotted past the keeper. The move of the match came in the fifty fifth minute, the move involved no less than eight players. Liam Kavanagh, Colin O'Toole, James Nolan, Glen McCarthy, Mikey Treanor, Alan Power and Lee Boylan were all part of the move which saw Ross Quinn blast an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net from thirty yards. On seventy minutes Glen McCarthy went close, McCarthy's shot was saved and his header from the rebound cannoned off the crossbar and away to safety. In the seventy second minute a neat move between Lee Boylan and James Nolan found Ben Fleming on the edge of the area, Fleming's dipping shot nestled in the back of the net. With twelve minutes left on the clock Alan Power made a great surging run out of the home teams defence, his solo run down the right flank led to Glen McCarthy sneaking in on the blind side to slide the ball home to complete the scoring. In the dying seconds Brian O'Sullivan cleared the ball to Liam Kavanagh, he in turn ran at the centre of the away defence going past two players before shooting narrowly wide. This was Rovers best performance of the season with every player playing his part in a good all round team display. In truth on the day everything went right for them.SQUAD : Kyle Flynn, Alan Power, Brian O'Sullivan, Sean Dease, Mikey Treanor, Colin O'Toole, Liam Kavanagh, Ross Quinn, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Glen McCarthy, Ben Fleming.

Date : 9/11/13Comp : LeagueVenue : Finn ParkKick Off : 2.00 pm

Under 17 LeagueSt Anthonys 0 Wicklow Rovers 6

Rovers started this game with a bang. As early as the first minute they went close with Liam Kavanagh firing narrowly wide from distance. On five minutes they went in front, a long ball found James Nolan out wide on the left, Nolan played the ball back to Ross Quinn who in turn found Alan Power, Power's through ball picked out Lee Boylan who rounded the keeper to slot the ball home. Two minutes later it got even better, Alan Power was again the provider, his cross field pass was latched onto by Glen McCarthy who made no mistake slotting past the advancing keeper to make it 2-0. At this stage it was all Wicklow, Liam Kavanagh and Ross Quinn were dictating the play around the middle. After twenty five minutes good work on the right flank from Darragh O'Connor and Glen McCarthy led to a Rovers corner. The resulting corner was whipped in by Ross Quinn and was met by the head of Lee Boylan to send the ball hurtling into the top corner the net for number three. Four minutes later it was Ross Quinn again who sent over an excellent corner with the impressive Sean Dease forcing the ball home to make it 4-0. Shortly after it could have been five, Aaron Meade and Mikey Treanor combined to set James Nolan away only to be denied by the covering defender. The second period was more of the same and after fifty two minutes Rovers increased their lead, Aaron Meade's free kick split the home defence to find the in rushing Glen McCarthy who duly dispatched the ball to the back of the net for number five. A minute later the home team had their best chance of the game, a fierce effort from just inside the box looked to have goal written all over it but Kyle Flynn in the Wicklow goal made an excellent save at full stretch to push the ball away. On fifty five minutes Liam Kavanagh went close when his shot from distance just cleared the bar. Shane Carty and Alan Power combined out on the right after sixty five minutes to set up Lee Boylan for his hat-trick but his shot was blocked by the keeper. Another man looking for his hat - trick was Glen McCarthy and he was also denied by the keeper two minutes later. With eleven minutes left on the clock Mikey Treanor slipped the ball into Liam Kavanagh who then found Darragh O'Connor out wide on the left, O'Connor turned inside the defender before delightfully curling the ball into the far corner of the net to make it 6-0. In the dying minutes Colin O'Toole went past two defenders, O'Toole's cross picked out Glen McCarthy but he could only watch helplessly as his shot drifted wide of the target. Rovers turned in an excellent all round team performance with every man playing his part. SQUAD : Kyle Flynn, Alan Power, Mikey Treanor, Aaron Meade, Sean Dease, Darragh O'Connor, Liam Kavanagh, Ross Quinn, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Glen McCarthy, Shane Carty, Colin O'Toole. Date : 16/11/13Comp : LeagueVenue : Whitegates Kick Off : 12.00

Under 17 LeagueWicklow Rovers 2 Avonmore 2

Rovers took on Avonmore in the Whitegates at the weekend, it was the away side who started the brighter going close after two minutes. On five minutes they had another chance but again they didn't find the target. Rovers slowly edged into the game, after twelve minutes Alan Power and Colin O'Toole combined to set up Liam Kavanagh but his shot was narrowly wide. The away sides early pressure told on the quarter hour mark when they went in front with a well taken goal. Avonmore had a lot of the ball without troubling Kyle Flynn in the Wicklow goal. Midway through the half Ross Quinn tested the keeper but the net minder was equal to it. Shortly after Lee Boylan fired in an effort, which the keeper saved. Right on the stroke of half time disaster struck for the home team when Avonmore doubled their lead. In the second period Rovers knew they had a mountain to climb but they came out in a determined fashion. Colin O'Toole had a great chance when he broke the offside trap only for the keeper to race off his line to block. On the hour mark Rovers thought they had pulled one back, Glen McCarthy won the race to a ball over the top but could only watch on agonisingly as his lobbed effort came back off the inside of the post. At this stage of the game it was Rovers who were doing the pressing, Aaron Meade and Colin O'Toole both had shots just off target. With twenty minutes left on the clock the home team pulled a goal back. An Aaron Meade corner caused havoc in the Avonmore defence, both Colin O'Toole and Liam Kavanagh had efforts blocked and with the ball bouncing around like a pin ball James Nolan hammered home from six yards. Five minutes later Rovers were level, Alan Power found Colin O'Toole on the right, O'Toole's accurate through ball split the defence to pick out Glen McCarthy who coolly slotted past the keeper to level matters. Both sides had a chance each in the closing stages, Avonmore looked to be through on goal only for Shane Carty to get back to intercept. With two minutes left James Nolan tried his luck from the edge of the area but his half volley drifted wide of the upright. A draw was probably a fair outcome of the match with the away side on top in the first period and Rovers having the better of the second half. SQUAD : Kyle Flynn, Alan Power, Mikey Treanor, Aaron Meade, Sean Dease, Colin O'Toole, Liam Kavanagh, Ross Quinn, Lee Boylan, Darragh O'Connor, Glen McCarthy, James Nolan, Shane Carty, Brian O'Sullivan.

Date: 7/12/13Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 12.00 pm

Under 17 LeagueWicklow Rovers 0 Rathnew 2

The away side got off to a flyer in this game, with barely a minute on the clock Rathnew went in front when Patrick Owens pounced on a loose ball in the area to give them the lead. A lot of the play centred around the middle of the park with both defences getting on top, in the way of clear cut chances one fell to Rovers on twenty minutes when James Nolan fires in a shot from the left which Daragh Hosey in the Rathnew goal turned away. Rathnew had a couple of chances, the first went narrowly wide and then Kyle Flynn was called on to save well. Colin O’Toole had a good chance to level when he cut in from the left but could only watch on as his shot went just wide of the far post. With a minute left to the break Rathnew increased their lead with another goal similar to the first, Patrick Owens was quickest to react to slot the ball home. Rovers faced an uphill task in the second period but in truth they never really got going in this game and the visitors two first half goals proved crucial as both sides cancelled each other out in the second half with neither keeper really been tested.SQUAD: Kyle Flynn, Alan Power, Mikey Treanor, Aaron Meade, Sean Dease, Colin O’Toole, Liam Kavanagh, Ross Quinn, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Glen McCarthy, Darragh O’Connor, Shane Carty, Brian O’Sullivan, Hugh Humby, Jamie Power.

Last Sunday saw a top of the table clash in the WDFL Under 17 Development League between Greystones United and Wicklow Rovers at Woodlands Park. Despite Greystones having home advantage, it was the visitors who were quickest out of the blocks with a flurry of chances in the opening minutes of the game. After only 30 seconds Liam Kavanagh slipped Alan Power through on goal only to have his shot brilliantly blocked by Greystones defender Liam O’Donnell. Seconds later Darragh O’Connor hit the post from a corner, which Greystones managed to clear away. Rovers continued their early dominance when Liam Kavanagh played Alan Power through again who had his shot saved by Maguire in the Greystones goal. Darragh O’Connor who was on the end of it, put the ball in the net only to have his goal disallowed for offside. Rovers continued to have all the possession and chances with Glen McCarthy firing a shot over the bar and Sean Dease heading off target from a free kick out wide. A few minutes later Rovers troubled Greystones again when Sean Dease played Darragh O’Connor through on goal only to have his effort saved by Liam Maguire. Rovers went on to create half chances but Greystones were starting to play their way into the game, with defender Liam O’Donnell shooting wide from long range to give Greystones their first attempt on goal in the game. On the 30th minute mark Rovers won a free kick in a good position but Ross Quinn fired the eventual effort over and, on the next play, Greystones broke up the field quickly with their captain hitting his eventual effort wide of the post.Six minutes later the visitors caused problems off a corner, which led to a goal line scramble with Lee Boylan forcing in form keeper Maguire into yet another save. Nearing the end of the half, Liam O’Donnell forced Rovers goalkeeper Kyle Flynn into his first save of the match and quickly after United won a corner which was played short to Liam Burke who cut in and let fly to put Greystones 1-0 ahead against the run of play, leaving Rovers with something to think about at the interval.Coming into the second half, it only took Rovers seconds to put their end of half disappointment behind them when Liam Kavanagh broke away to coolly slot the ball past Maguire to equalise for Wicklow. The game was end to end for the next ten minutes with limited clear cut chances for both sides until the 55th minute, when Ross Quinn went on a solo run getting past two defenders and rounding the keeper to tap the ball into an empty net to give Rovers a 2-1 lead. However, Rovers weren’t settling on that and minutes later substitute James Nolan and Liam Kavanagh had efforts well saved. At 66 minutes United suffered a real blow when their impressive goalkeeper Liam Maguire went off injured. On the 75th minute mark Greystones caught Rovers out on the break with captain Liam Burke getting his name on the score sheet for the second time in the game to level it at 2-2, giving Wicklow a much needed wake up call. At this stage it looked like it was anyone’s game for the taking. A few minutes later, in the 83rd minute Rovers won a free kick 20 yards out. Ross Quinn stepped up to take the set piece and he slotted the ball under the wall and into the bottom left hand corner to make it 3-2 to Wicklow. Two minutes later Rovers secured all three points when Glen McCarthy played the ball to Alan Power in the box who finished well making it 4-2 to the visitors.The whistle went for full time with the final score 4-2 to Wicklow Rovers. This result sends Rovers top of the league table.

This match was played in bad conditions with a squirling wind and heavy showers not allowing for good football. In fairness to both sides they did produce some good football despite the conditions. It was the home side who drew first blood, after eight minutes Rovers seemed to have cleared the ball but a looping ball over the top of the Rovers rearguard found an Enniskerry player who looked in an offside position but the whistle failed to go and he slotted home for the lead. Rovers went in search of an equaliser, first James Nolan blasted wide of the target and then Glen McCarthy curled his effort narrowly wide of the left hand post. The rest of the half was a scrappy affair but one moment of brilliance saw the home team increase their lead, a corner from the left was cleared but the Enniskerry player just outside the area beautifully struck a powerful volley to the roof of the Rovers net to make it 2-0. Rovers were unlucky not to pull one back before the interval when good work on the right side from Alan Power and James Nolan set Glen McCarthy away but he was denied by the keeper. At the break the home side were well worth their two goal lead. The second half saw a complete turn around with Rovers coming out a completely different team. A minute into the second period a surging run through the centre of the park by Liam Kavanagh split the home rearguard, Kavanagh slipped the ball out to McCarthy who coolly finished past the advancing keeper to half the deficit. The home side had three good chances in the space of ten minutes to increase their lead but failed to take any of them and they were made to pay. In the fifty eighth minute Wicklow were level, the impressive Sean Dease cleared the ball to Kavanagh who in turn found Ross Quinn, he ran at the home defence before unleashing a shot to the back of the net to make it 2-2. This signalled a Rovers onslaught as they took complete control of the game. They were now dictating matters and creating chance after chance. After sixty six minutes they went in front, Quinn swung over a free from the left and the in rushing Kavanagh bundled the ball over the line to make it 3-2. A couple of minutes later it could have been four as Ross Quinn could only watch in agony as his powerful drive came back of the inside of the upright. Five minutes later Quinn made no mistake, he drove home a free kick from the right side of the area for his second and Rovers fourth to give them a bit of breathing space. With ten minutes remaining Jamie Power played the ball into Colin O’Toole who beat the keeper only for his effort to come back of the post. Rovers rearguard held firm in the remaining minutes with Sean Dease leading by example. SQUAD: Kyle Flynn, Shane Carty, Mikey Treanor, Aaron Meade, Sean Dease, Alan Power, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Ross Quinn, Conor O’Brien, Colin O’Toole, Jamie Power.

Date: 22/2/14Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 11.30 am

Under 17 Wicklow LeagueWicklow Rovers 6 Coolboy Rangers 0

Saturday morning saw a top versus bottom clash in the WDFL under 17 League. Top of the table Wicklow Rovers hosted Coolboy Rangers, who sit at the foot of the league standings, at Whitegates.The first half was relatively disappointing with limited chances to talk about. However, with seven minutes gone Rovers put together a good move, starting on the left with Mikey Treanor who played the ball to Ross Quinn who passed on to Darragh O’Connor, he found Glen McCarthy who had his shot saved by the Coolboy goalie. On the 20 minute mark Rovers opened up the scoring when Liam Kavanagh slipped Glen McCarthy through who crossed the ball into the box where Alan Power was able to connect with a header and give Rovers the lead.There were no more note worthy chances for the remainder of the half and Rovers went into the break a goal ahead. The first half was generally poor with neither side getting into their stride.It was Wicklow who were fastest out of the blocks after the half time break when Conor O’Brien played a one two with Alan Power with the eventual effort not troubling the keeper. Following this, Rovers doubled their lead when Glen McCarthy played James Nolan through on goal who had his effort well saved by the keeper but Conor O’Brien was present to smash the rebound home.In the 50th minute Glen McCarthy and James Nolan linked up again to cause Coolboy more problems, the former played the ball to the latter but Nolan was denied yet again by the keeper. Seven minutes later Glen McCarthy got his name on the score sheet when he cut in from the right and fired his shot powerfully past the goalkeeper. In the 65th minute Rovers went four up when Liam Kavanagh scored from 30 yards out and a few minutes later, Kavanagh hit the post with a thunderous shot from a similar distance. With 20 minutes remaining Rovers went in search of more goals, Alan Power crossed the ball into Conor O’Brien who shot just wide of the post.In the 78th minute Liam Kavanagh doubled his goal tally for the match when he scored a very similar goal to his first, driving a 25 yard shot past the keeper to make it 5-0. Rovers scored again a minute later when Dan Geoghegan played Conor O’Brien through who coolly finished to make it six for Wicklow.The full time whistle went sealing three points for Wicklow Rovers, guaranteeing them to be still top of the table at the weekend’s end. The overall performance was not convincing but Rovers still managed to get the job done. Star performer for Rovers was Sean Dease for putting in a great battling display.

Rovers went into this game knowing nothing less than a victory was needed in order to leapfrog Rathnew at the top of the table. They didn’t get off to the best of starts either when they conceded a penalty after four minutes, which the home team duly dispatched to take an early lead. Rovers to their credit battled back after their early set back and went close on a couple of occasions, first it was Conor O’Brien who went close on ten minutes and a minute later Glen McCarthy forced the Avonmore keeper into a good save. On twenty minutes Glen McCarthy had a great chance to level the game when he found himself in a one on one situation but his curling effort went narrowly wide of the upright. On twenty five minutes Wicklow drew level, a move involving Mikey Treanor, Lee Boylan and Liam Kavanagh ended with Conor O’Brien firing to the roof of the net from twenty yards. After thirty eight minutes Rovers went in front. Aaron Meade swung over a corner to the back post where James Nolan hooked the ball back into the danger area for Sean Dease to send a looping header over the keeper and into the far corner to put Wicklow 2-1 up. Just on the stroke of half time the home side had a golden chance to draw level but they fired over with only the keeper to beat. The early stages of the second period was even enough with a lot of play around the middle of the park with chances at a premium. The Rovers defence of Mikey Treanor, Alan Power, Sean Dease and Aaron Meade were rock solid and when the home side breached the Wicklow defence Kyle Flynn in the Rovers goal was on hand to mop up. After sixty two minutes a beautiful cross field pass from Lee Boylan picked out Colin O’Toole at the far post and O’Toole made no mistake as he thundered home a powerful header to make it 3-1. Both teams then created a couple of half chances each, which came to nothing. With ten minutes remaining the home side pulled one back to set up a tense finish. Liam Kavanagh and Shane Carty came to Rovers rescue with a couple of well timed challenges as the home team pressed forward in search of an equaliser. With four minutes left on the clock the green and whites nerves were calmed when Darragh O’Connor was quickest to react to the breaking ball to fire home to make it 4-2 and secure a vital three points which saw Rovers return to top spot in the table. Liam Kavanagh and Alan Power were outstanding for Wicklow in what was an excellent all round team performance.

Rovers made the short journey to Shamrock Park to take on local rivals Rathnew in what was built as the title decider. Wicklow knew if they won they would claim the WDFL league title with a game to spare while a home win would ensure the destination of the title would be in the hands of the hosts going into the last game. When the sides last met it was Rathnew who came out on top winning 2-0 at the Whitegates prior to Christmas. Rovers went into this game quietly confident as they had a one hundred percent away record in the league. It was Wicklow who made the early running aided by a stiff breeze, Glen McCarthy and Lee Boylan both had efforts just off target in the early stages. While Rovers pushed forward the home side always looked dangerous on the break. On twenty minutes Kyle Flynn in the Rovers goal had to be alert, coming off his line to collect a long ball over the top. In the twenty seventh minute the home side went in front, an Andrew O'Brien free kick seemed to be harmlessly drifting out over the end line but Cormac Marnane never gave up and he somehow hooked the ball in between the Rovers keeper and the near post to give Rathnew the lead. The rest of the half was a scrappy affair with the only chance of note falling to McCarthy. Mikey Treanor's long ball found McCarthy out wide on the right, he cut infield and fired narrowly past the far post. The second half saw Wicklow come out with six positional changes to their line up and what a difference it made. Playing against the wind it was Rovers who were making all the running playing some neat football. The away side were pushing the hosts back in what was a tense affair with so much at stake. Lee Boylan and Alan Power on the flanks were causing problems for the home rearguard while Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy were pulling the strings in the centre of the park. Kavanagh who impressed at centre back in the first period was now instrumental in Rovers attacking play. On fifty minutes it was Kavanagh's through ball which picked out Darragh O'Connor but he could only watch as his effort went agonisingly past the upright. A minute later Aaron Meade found Kavanagh who split the defence to find Ross Quinn, Quinn's lobbed effort clipped the top of the woodwork and away to safety. Rovers got their reward after fifty five minutes when Alan Power's corner was met by McCarthy with the league's top scorer bundling the ball over the line to equalise. When Rathnew did venture up field the impressive Shane Carty was on hand to cut out the danger. It was from one of Carty's interceptions that led to Rovers taking the lead. With fifteen minutes left on the clock Carty won the ball in the right full position, he went past his man before feeding the ball to Alan Power who in turn found Glen McCarthy, McCarthy did the rest. He weaved his way past three home defenders before coolly placing the ball in at the near post to give Rovers the lead. The home side came close to equalising in the eighty fifth minute when Andrew O'Brien hit the outside of the post. In the dying minutes of the game Wicklow were awarded a free on the edge of the box, Ross Quinn and Glen McCarthy worked the free kick to set up Liam Kavanagh and the green and whites skipper made no mistake drilling the ball low and hard to the back of the net to spark wild celebrations in the Wicklow camp, the title was on its way to the Whitegates. The last couple of minutes saw Rovers frustrate the home team when they retained possession in the Rathnew half, James Nolan and Lee Boylan combined well a couple of times winning free kicks to take the sting out of the game. Wicklow put in an excellent squad performance, Kyle Flynn in the Rovers goal acted like an extra sweeper especially in the second period when they played against a stiff wind, he was off his line to collect long balls over the top. The rearguard of the excellent Shane Carty, Mikey Treanor, Aaron Meade and Conor O'Brien were tight and assured on the day. The midfield quartet of Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Alan Power and Lee Boylan caused all sorts of problems to the home team when Rovers attacked and were also on hand to help the defence if required. Up front the trio of Ross Quinn, Darragh O'Connor and James Nolan put in sterling work, running and grafting until they could give no more. In truth Rovers did all the hard work prior to this game, this was just the icing on the cake. With only seven players remaining from last year's under 16 premier league and shield double winning side it was always going to be tough. They had to completely rebuild their squad and that is what they did. Sean Dease was one of the new additions to the squad who missed this game through injury, Sean was a tower of strength at the heart of the defence the whole season, on the training ground he was the joker but gave total commitment to everything he done. Another player who was added to the squad but was unavailable was Dan Geoghegan, Dan came in late and was known as the quiet man of the team, Dan trained hard and when called on he gave a hundred percent. Two under 16 players not used on the day were Jamie Power and Oisin Breen but these two young men always made themselves available through out the season and when called upon they never let the side down. Three other under 16 players who helped out during the season but were unavailable due to commitments to the county under 16 team were Colin O'Toole who was a regular member of the squad, scoring five goals and putting in some excellent performances for the team. Brian O'Sullivan and Hugh Humby played when called upon and one game that sticks out was a tough encounter away to Enniskerry where these two players were excellent. Ben Fleming played one league game and played a very important part scoring in the teams win over the then league leaders Greystones United. The full league record was played 12, won 9, drew 1 and lost 2. They scored 43 goals while they conceded 13 massing a total of 28 points. Also the lads recorded a one hundred percent away record on route to the title. The management team would also like to thank Josh Browne who played in the Leinster under 17 cup game away to Callan United early on in the season. A massive thanks goes to Paul Delaney, Franny Copeland, Mick Humby, Philip O'Sullivan, Dermot Vickers and the clubs executive committee for all their help during the season. Last but not least thanks to all the parents, relations and friends of the players who supported the team throughout the season. The team is managed and coached by Jimmy Nolan and Brian O'Connor. The full squad is Kyle Flynn, Conor O'Brien, Sean Dease, Mikey Treanor, Aaron Meade, Shane Carty, Liam Kavanagh, Glen McCarthy, Alan Power, Lee Boylan, James Nolan, Ross Quinn, Darragh O'Connor, Dan Geoghegan, Colin O'Toole, Jamie Power, Brian O'Sullivan, Hugh Humby, Oisin Breen and Ben Fleming.

We are approaching the business end of the season in the WDFL under 17 section. The league has already been decided with Wicklow Rovers coming out on top, now the cup is up for grabs. Newly crowned league champions Wicklow Rovers advanced to the final after defeating Greystones United in the semi final at Woodlands Park. The game started off very slowly with both sides trying to create chances but having little luck. Greystones nearly took the lead after ten minutes but Kyle Flynn was equal to Jack Gerrard’s effort from range. Not long after, Rovers took the lead. Ross Quinn floated a ball in to Darragh O’Connor at the back post, O’Connor smashed home, beating Liam Maguire at his near post. In the fourteenth minute Rovers doubled their tally. Glen McCarthy laid off Ross Quinn who in turn scored a 25 yard screamer into the top right corner of the net, a goal of the season contender. However, Greystones were not deflated by the visitors second goal and enjoyed a spell of good possession. Barry Garvey had the hosts best chance of the game when he wriggled his way past the Rovers centre backs but he failed to score the one on one, Kyle Flynn made an excellent stop to keep Greystones at bay.Stoppage time of the first period saw Ross Quinn dance past two Greystones defenders and fire home into the top corner to make it 3-0 to Rovers at the interval. The hard part of the job was done by Wicklow in the first half, now they had to make sure there was no fairytale comebacks on the cards for United.Rovers broke Greystones hearts twenty minutes from time. James Nolan gave Liam Kavanagh a run down the right, the Greystones defender attempted to see the ball out but the Rovers midfielder didn’t give up, Kavanagh dispossessed the back and drilled a ball low and hard across the six yard box and Mark Delahunty of Greystones unluckily knocked the ball into his own net. Wicklow thought they had five in the 75th minute but James Nolan’s headed goal was ruled offside by the referee’s assistant.Wicklow Rovers took a huge step towards completing the double with the win sending them through to the final of the WDFL Under 17 Cup. Rovers will now have to standby and wait until Avonmore and Rathnew AFC contest their semi final, to find out whom they will be taking on in the big showdown. Either way the final promises to be a mouth-watering tie with three strong sides still standing.

The pairing in the cup final saw the top two in the league come face to face. League champions Wicklow Rovers were aiming for the league and cup double while league runners up Rathnew were hoping to spoil the party. Rovers went into this game without the services of regular keeper Kyle Flynn through a knee injury, Daniel Geoghegan was also missing after he broke a bone in his arm and to make matters worse they lost defender Mikey Treanor an hour and a half before kick off with a muscle injury. It was Rovers who started the brightess making all the early running. In the first ten minutes both Ross Quinn and Alan Power went close firing narrowly wide on both occasions. On fifteen minutes team captain Liam Kavanagh collected the ball in the centre circle, Kavanagh raced at the Rathnew rearguard before unleashing a fierce effort which Daragh Hosey in the Rathnew goal did very well to push away. Rovers kept pushing forward in search of the lead goal while always aware of their defensive duties. Stand in keeper Aaron Meade was excellent between the posts for Rovers using all his knowledge of been a sweeper to great affect to mop any long balls over the top while his distribution found a Rovers player every time. The solid Wicklow defence of Shane Carty, Brian O'Sullivan, Sean Dease and Conor O'Brien dealt with anything that was thrown at them. Wicklow had a firm grip of the game creating chance after chance. The hard working duo of Ross Quinn and James Nolan up front never let the opponents defence relax. In the twenty second minute Nolan's curling shot from the edge of the area looked to be heading for the top corner but Andrew O'Brien some how got his head to the ball to clear over. The resulting corner saw Nolan slam a shot into the side netting. Moments later it was Quinn's turn to go close, in the space of three minutes he was denied by Hosey in the goal twice. His first effort was parried away by the keeper with Hosey blocking the second shot. Rovers kept piling forward with the impressive Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy controlling the middle of the park and the two wide men Lee Boylan and Alan Power been a constant thorn in Rathnew's side. The green and whites first half dominace was rewarded in the thirty third minute, Shane Carty and Alan Power combined to find Kavanagh, his cross was met by Quinn whose effort was pushed away by the keeper but it was Kavanagh who was the quickest to react nipping in to blast the ball to the net for a well deserved lead. Rovers had a great chance to increase their lead when Lee Boylan tormented the defence before pulling the ball back to Kavanagh who neatly slipped the ball in to Nolan only for Hosey to race of his line to block with his legs. After fourty mintes Rovers did double their lead, goalscorer Kavanagh turned provider swinging over a cross from the right for Power to powerfully crack home for Wicklow. At this stage Rovers were just hoping the half time whistle would never come as they went in search of a third. Early in the second period Ross Quinn who was proving quite a handful was denied yet again by the Rathnew keeper. Rathnew did come more into it in the second half and they did have a couple of chances to pull one back, first Aaron Meade had to race off his line to nip the ball away from the Rathnew striker and then they struck the top of the woodwork with a free kick. Rovers then had a chance to increase their lead when Darragh O'Connor found himself in on goal on sixty six minutes but his effort sailed over.Two minutes later his well struck shot just missed the target. Fresh legs were needed on the Rovers team as their work rate was excellent and it saw the introduction of Colin O'Toole and he ensured there was no let up on the Rathnew defence. It was O'Toole's persistence that created Rovers next chance when he robbed possession from a Rathnew defender and then set up Ross Quinn who was just off target. The impressive Kavanagh was denied by Hosey again with ten minutes remaining, McCarthy also brought the best out of the keeper when he turned away McCarthy's goal bound thunderbolt. In the dying seconds Alan Power put the icing on the cake when he raced onto Kavanagh's through ball, went around the keeper and slotted into an empty net to make it 3-0. On the final whistle celebrations broke out among the green and whites supporters and players. It was a fitting end to a tough season. Aaron Meade the Rovers stand in keeper was magnificent throughout the game with his reading of the match and his distribution of the ball. The rearguard of Shane Carty, Brian O'Sullivan, Sean Dease and Conor O'Brien carried out their defensive duties superbly while also getting forward when required. In the engine room the impressive duo of captain Liam Kavanagh and Glen McCarthy made the team tick with Kavanagh picking up the man of the match award. Out wide on the flanks, Lee Boylan on the left and Alan Power on the right caused havoc to the Rathnew defence when Rovers attacked while also working back to help out their defence. Up front the partnership of Ross Quinn and James Nolan worked tirelessly never giving the Rathnew central defenders time to relax, both players were unlucky not to score. Darragh O'Connor and Colin O'Toole when introduced to the field of play added fresh legs to proceedings at a crucial time with both working hard in attack and in defence. Jamie Power who had played against Enniskerry and Greystones in the earlier rounds played a big part on route to the final with reserve keeper Oisin Breen always available in case needed. There was heartbreak for regular keeper Kyle Flynn who never missed a game all season, versatile defender Mikey Treanor and forward Daniel Geoghegan all who were part of the cup winning squad but missed out through injury. SQUAD: Aaron Meade, Kyle Flynn, Conor O'Brien, Sean Dease, Mikey Treanor, Shane Carty, Brian O'Sullivan, Glen McCarthy, Alan Power, Lee Boylan, Liam Kavanagh, James Nolan, Ross Quinn, Darragh O'Connor, Colin O'Toole, Jamie Power, Daniel Geoghegan and Oisin Breen. The team is managed by Jimmy Nolan and Brian O'Connor.

Date: 1/12/13Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 12.15 pm

Under 10 Premier LeagueWicklow Rovers A 3 Greystones United A 2

This game pitted league leaders Greystones United against second placed Wicklow Rovers, with two points seperating them going into the game it was always going to be a tight tense match. What an exciting game it proved to be with two fully committed sides and a game that was played at a high tempo. It was the home team that made all the early running, after two minutes Chris Bouchier and Matthew Harbourne combined to set Joseph Neilan in on goal but Neilan’s shot was turned away by the keeper. A minute later Conor Hunter broke through the centre of the Greystones defence but yet again the away keeper was on hand to save. In the fifth minute Mark Hodgkinson laid the ball back to Matthew Harbourne whose curling effort from twenty yards out was tipped away by the keeper. Disaster struck for Rovers in the sixth minute when against the run of play Greystones went in front. It got worse for Rovers a minute later when the away team doubled their lead and gave Rovers an uphill task in their quest to topple the leaders. In fairness to the home team they never dropped their heads as they continued to battle away looking for a foothold in the game. Five minutes before the break they got their rewards, Chris Bouchier found Glen Broughan on the right and Broughan’s first time pass over the top set Conor Hunter away who made no mistake firing past the advancing keeper. The next attack from Rovers saw them draw level and it was that man again Glen Broughan who provided the killer pass that set up Joseph Neilan who slotted coolly past the keeper to make it 2-2. Rovers could and probably should have went in at the break ahead, Conor Hunter and Tom Hodgkinson both had chances but they found a man in inspired form in the Greystones goal pulling off two superb saves. The second half was more of the same with Rovers pushing forward and Greystones hitting them on the break, Chris Bouchier came to his teams rescue on a couple of occasions with timely interceptions. Tiernan O’Brien combined with Tom Hodgkinson with Hodgkinson’s shot going narrowly wide. Tom Hodgkinson inch perfect pass found Joseph Neilan wide on the left but his effort was deflected away. At this stage of the game Mark Hodgkinson, Matthew Harbourne and Glen Broughan were controlling the centre of the park. After thirty one minutes Matthew Harbourne’s long range effort was deflected over the crossbar. With eight minutes left on the clock Rovers scored the all important goal which was to result in Wicklow claiming all three points. Matthew Harbourne’s cross found Conor Hunter at the back post, Hunter’s low hard shot was blocked but Hunter was quickest to react to the breaking ball and had the vision to lay the ball off to his better placed team mate Joseph Neilan who slammed the ball to the back of the net for the lead. Seconds later it could have been even better as Tom Hodgkinson was denied by an impressive Greystones keeper. The last few minutes saw the away team pile forward and push Rovers back in the search of an equaliser which would keep them top of the league. Chris Bouchier and Tomas Kennedy were both on hand with a couple of great challenges to prevent Greystones getting in on goal. With three minutes left Conor Luddy in the Rovers goal made a brave save at the feet of the Greystones striker and in the dying seconds Luddy was sprung into action again, this time he was alert to push away a wicked bouncing ball to keep his teams lead intact. Rovers held out to claim three valuable points and leap frog their opponents to the top of the league. This proved to be a highly exciting and tense encounter between two evenly matched sides and with both sides due to meet each other again this looks like going right down to the wire.SQUAD: Conor Luddy, Tiernan O’Brien, Matthew Harbourne, Chris Bouchier, Conor Hunter, Mark Hodgkinson, Tomas Kennedy, Joseph Neilan, Glen Broughan, Tom Hodgkinson

Two old foes in Wicklow Rovers and Rathnew AFC met in the Under 10 Premier Cup final on Saturday last. The two sides have met twice recently in shield action with both sharing a victory apiece over the other, promising a close contest on paper for the final. However, much to the surprise of most, the villagers never got going in this one and Rovers ran riot, scoring twice in each half to earn the gold.Wicklow were probing the Rathnew defence from the start, Tiernan O’Brien and Joseph Neilan both forced Ryan O’Toole into good saves early on. The first goal of the game came inside 14 minutes. A move involving Joseph Neilan and Callum Gibney ended with Tom Hodgkinson slotting home to give the green and white’s of Wicklow the lead.Rovers continued to ask questions of Rathnew, with the villagers not coming up with much answers. Matthew Harbourne nearly got his name on the score sheet but his header from a Joseph Neilan corner sailed over the bar. A minute later it was two. Mark Hodgkinson’s shot fell to Callum Gibney in the box, Gibney fired past O’Toole in the village goal to score the first part of his eventual brace. Rovers went into the break with a comfortable two goal lead. Joseph Neilan and Callum Gibney were both giving the Rathnew defenders nightmares, they were causing that many problems going forward for Wicklow. Immediately after the interval, Rathnew very nearly dragged Rovers lead back to one. Matthew Harbounre did very well to block Ben Carter’s powerful effort from going into the back of the net. Neilan nearly nicked a second for himself on the half an hour mark but his shot from a Conor Hunter set up was well stopped by Ryan O’Toole. Rathnew, in traditional Rathnew fashion, did not give up and continued to search for goals and they nearly found one. Toby Curran found a bit of room for himself to take a shot at goal, Curran’s effort forced Rovers custodian Conor Luddy into his first save of the match.Wicklow signed out with two quick fire goals in the final four minutes of the match. Tom Hodgkinson whipped a cross into the penalty area, Callum Gibney met the ball in the air, converting his powerful header to net his brace and to put the end result beyond any doubt.Two minutes from time Wicklow rubbed salt to the wounds of Rathnew by scoring a fourth. Joseph Neilan went on a sensational solo run from the halfway line to knock past the advancing O’Toole to spark celebrations in the green and white camp.Wicklow Rovers successfully added a cup winners medal to their league runners up medal earned earlier this campaign. Two out of three competitions have now been decided in the under 10 Premier section, with Greystones United A wiining the league and Rovers taking the cup. The Premier shield is still up for grabs with Wicklow Rovers, as well as Greystones United A and B still in the hunt for a spot in the climax of that competition.Top form: Matthew Harbourne (Wicklow Rovers A): Harbourne was a rock at the back for Rovers, he was first to every ball.

A sunny but chilly Sunday morning saw the Hockey Pitch play host to an under ten Division 1 Cup quarter final match between newly promoted Wicklow Rovers and Aughrim Rangers.It was the visitors who started off better in this encounter and after two minutes they were ahead when their number 5 capitalised on a through ball to go clean through on goal and slot the past Kyle Corrigan in the Wicklow goal. Three minutes later Kyle Corrigan was called into action again when he got down low to parry a Rangers shot wide.In the tenth minute Aughrim were causing problems for Rovers again when they broke forward and fired a shot at goal which was well saved by Corrigan and three minutes later he denied Aughrim again with yet another good save.In the 14th minute Rovers had their first chance of the game when Oran Dempsey had his shot well blocked by the Aughrim defender. From this point Rovers started to play their way into the game, in search of an equaliser. Sixteen minutes in substitute Steven Gormley made an impressive run down the wing to play an excellent ball into the box but nobody was there to get on the end of it.With half time approaching Rovers continued to create chances, first in the 19th minute, David Butler forced the Aughrim goalie into his first clean save of the match and in stoppage time Sean O’Meara made a quality run with the ball only to have his effort blocked. Half time score was 1-0 to the visitors.The half time talk must of done Wicklow the world of good as they came out in the second half all guns blazing, creating a flurry of chances. Three minutes into the second period, Sean O’Meara fired an effort just wide of the post and a matter of seconds later, Oran Dempsey saw his shot well saved by the goalkeeper.Sean O’Meara continued to give the Aughrim defenders problems when he beat two of them and let fly and had his attempt saved. For the next five to six minutes very little was created with most of the play being based around the centre of the park. In the 31 st minute Aughrim had a great chance to double their lead when a square ball was played to their number 6 who fired her shot wide.Rovers broke straight up the field after the Aughrim chance but Sam Christie failed to test the keeper after the Aughrim defender brilliantly blocked his shot. Luke Dunne had the final opportunity to equalise for Rovers, three minutes before the end when his shot went just inches past the post and wide. The full time whistle went, booking Aughrim Rangers’ spot in the cup semi final with a final score of 0-1. Wicklow Rovers were very unlucky as they had most of the play in the second half but they were just unable to convert their chances. Star performers for Rovers were; Kyle Corrigan in goals, Cillian McAllister and David Butler in defence and Steven Gormley.

It was the away side who started the better as they put the home team under the cosh in the early stages of the game. As early as the first minute Conor Lacey in the Rovers goal had to be alert to turn away a wicked shot. A minute later Lacey came to his team’s rescue with an excellent save, down low at his near post. In the seventh minute the Rovers keeper was putting up a one man barrier between him and the opposition when yet again he was called on, this time tipping away a fierce shot for a corner. The resulting corner was cleared down field by Tom Farrelly, Liam Nicholson picked the ball up wide on the right, cut infield but could only watch on as his shot went wide of the target. A minute later the home side went close to taking the lead, the impressive Jack Ryan combined with Tom Farrelly in the centre of the park to set Liam Nicholson away but his effort went narrowly wide. Midway through the half the away team went in front with a well taken goal and things got even better for them two minutes after when they doubled their lead with an effort from twenty yards. On fifteen minutes Zach Callery, Joe Davis and Michael O’Neill were all involved in the move that set up Tom Farrelly, but he was denied by the Fassaroe keeper. On the stroke of half time Conor Lacey who was Wicklow’s outstanding player in the first period was called on again to make yet another excellent save. The away team killed the game off as a contest in the first three minutes after the break when they added two more goals to put the game out of Rovers reach. The second half saw a lot of the play concentrated around the middle third of the pitch, with the ever busy Jack Ryan competing well against much bigger opposition. On thirty five minutes, it was Ryan who went on a solo run up the left wing before crossing to find Michael O’Neill whose well struck shot was saved by the keeper. With a minute left on the clock Fassaroe scored to make it 5-0. In fairness to the home team they battled away through out the game and never gave up. They definitely didn’t deserve to find themselves five down, eventually all their hard work was rewarded when in the dying seconds Jack Ryan was quickest to react to the breaking ball to drill a left footed strike into the bottom left hand corner of the Fassaroe net.SQUAD: Conor Lacey, Joe Davis, Tom Farrelly, Jack Ryan, Liam Nicholson, Zach Callery, Michael O’Neill, Tom Davis, Fionn O’Higgins, Conaill Barry, Alex Byrne, Dylan Doyle.

Date: 20/10/13Comp: LeagueVenue : Hockey PitchKick Off: 10.00 am

Under 11 Premier DivisionWicklow Rovers A 1 Enniskerry 0

Wicklow went into this game on the back of a great run of six wins from six games and they continued their one hundred percent start to the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Enniskerry. This was a cracking game with both teams producing some excellent football in what was a highly entertaining match. It was Rovers who made the early running, in the fourth minute Ryan Kavanagh got on the end of a Sam Brown corner only for the keeper to parry the ball with the breaking ball falling to Samuel Bishop who's shot was blocked by an Enniskerry defender. Two minutes later Ryan Kavanagh saw his well struck shot turned away by the keeper. Mikey Gleeson broke up a promising Enniskerry attack and then picked out Sam Brown with a beautiful pass but Brown’s first time effort skimmed the far post. The home teams early pressure told after twelve minutes, Fionn O'Brien found Sam Brown out on the right, Sam cut in field and unleashed a powerful effort which the keeper saved but Mark O'Brien was the quickest to react to the breaking ball to slam the ball to the back of the net. After sixteen minutes Max Kearney and Fionn Luddy combined to send Harry Hodgkinson away but he was denied by the keeper. Enniskerry broke up field and Andrew Nolan was called on in the Wicklow goal to make an excellent save from a thunderous shot to keep his side in front. Midway through the half Fionn Luddy cut in from the left to send in a fierce effort which the keeper was equal to. Rovers continued to pile forward creating chance after chance. Max Kearney had two chances in the space of three minutes, his first chance flew just wide of the upright and then he headed over from a Samuel Bishop corner. Towards the end of the half Mark O’Brien went on a solo run on the right weaving his way past two players before setting Sam Brown up but his rising shot sailed over. The second half was a more even affair with the game swinging from end to end, three minutes after the restart Paul Haskins came to Rovers rescue with a well timed challenge when a certain equaliser looked on the cards. Two minutes later Daniel Dunne tried his luck from distance but his long range effort whistled past the post. The best move of the game came in the thirty eight minute, Samuel Bishop picked the ball up in his own area, he found Max Kearney in the centre of the park, Kearney swivelled and passed out right to find Sam Brown who completed the move to find Ryan Kavanagh who was denied by a brave smothering save from the Enniskerry keeper. Enniskerry went back down field and it was the turn of the Rovers keeper to perform heroics between the post when he turned away a blistering shot from the Enniskerry striker. Rovers had two excellent chances in the space of a minute with ten minutes left on the clock, the first one fell to Sam Brown who found himself through on goal after good work from Harry Hodgkinson and Max Kearney only yet again to be denied by superb goalkeeping by the away net minder. The second chance fell to Conor Lewins from a neat through ball from Fionn Luddy but once more the keeper was excellent to race off his line to block. With time running out Rovers got a little nervy and Enniskerry went very close to equalising when a driving shot from the edge of the area shaved the top of the crossbar. This was a highly exciting game with some great football from both teams, Rovers turned in an excellent all round team performance. One of the highlights of the game was not only the excellent football on show but the high standard of goalkeeping from both net minders.SQUAD: Andrew Nolan, Fionn O’Brien, Mikey Gleeson, Paul Haskins, Daniel Dunne, Sam Brown, Samuel Bishop, Ryan Kavanagh, Mark O’Brien, Max Kearney, Harry Hodgkinson, Fionn Luddy, Conor Lewins.

Wicklow went into this game in pursuit of the second part of a potential treble with the league title already safely tucked away. It was Arklow who had the first chances of the match when they fired over from distance after three minutes. A minute later another shot from far out from Arklow's number seven caused no problems for Andrew Nolan in the Rovers goal. Rovers had a great chance on five minutes, Sam Bishop's crossfield ball picked out Max Kearney wide on the right, Kearney ran at the Arklow defence before unleashing a powerful drive forcing the keeper into an excellent save. After nine minutes a Sam Bishop shot brought the best out of the Arklow keeper again. Midway through the half Rovers went in front, a long ball into the area was cleared but the ball came to Fionn Luddy who hooked it back into the danger area where Sam Bishop knocked the ball down, Conor Lewins was alert and the quickest to react to the loose ball to fire home to give Rovers the lead. On twenty one Wicklow were unlucky not to increase their lead, a move involving Sam Brown, Mark O'Brien and Max Kearney set up Harry Hodgkinson at the back post only for Hodgkinson header to skim the top of the bar. Seconds later Rovers did double their advantage, Kearney picked out Brown whose effort on goal was deflected away but Harry Hodgkinson was in like a light to head in number two. At this stage of the game Rovers didn't want the half time whistle as they poured forward in search of more goals creating chance after chance, the best of those chances fell to Max Kearney when he struck the woodwork from twenty yards. Just on the stroke of half time Arklow went close to pulling one back, the Arklow player cut in from the left before hitting a powerful shot which Andrew Nolan in the Rovers goal was equal to makings an excellent save to preserve his team's two goal advantage going in at the break. The second period was only three minutes old when we witnessed the goal of the game, the ball fell to Kearney twenty yards out, he unleashed a thunderbolt of a strike that was destined for the top right corner of the net the minute the ball left his foot. Wicklow were in total control of the game at this stage. Mark O'Brien made it 4-0 in the forty third minute ghosting in at the back post to coolly steer the ball to the back of the net. Arklow's only chance of note came on forty four minutes but yet again they couldn't find a way past Nolan in the Rovers goal, this time the keeper tipping the ball over. Shortly after it was five, Paul Haskins long ball picked out Bishop who in turn set up Kearney, the Wicklow midfielder placed the ball in the bottom right hand corner. Kearney completed his hat-trick two minutes from time when Sam Brown's cross deceived the keeper, Kearney stole in to finish with a bicycle kick to the roof of the net for his third and Rovers sixth. On the final whistle there was wild celebrations in the green and whites camp, Rovers were powerful in this game, they played some attractive entertaining football which was a delight to watch. Andrew Nolan in the Rovers goal when called on was assured pulling off two excellent saves. Defenders Fionn O'Brien, Mikey Gleeson, Paul Haskins and Daniel Dunne were rock solid throughout rarely giving the Arklow strikers a chance. In the engine room Sam Bishop, Max Kearney, Fionn Luddy, Sam Brown and Ryan Kavanagh worked tirelessly for the cause covering ever blade of grass on the pitch. Up front Conor Lewins, Harry Hodgkinson and Mark O'Brien caused havoc to the Arklow rearguard never letting them settle. This was an excellent advert on how football should be played and a lot of credit has to go to the Rovers coaches Mick Kearney and Gerry Lewins, both men had their team well prepared and well coached and for that they deserve this success. SQUAD: Andrew Nolan, Fionn O'Brien, Mikey Gleeson, Paul Haskins, Samuel Bishop, Max Kearney, Fionn Luddy, Mark O'Brien, Conor Lewins, Harry Hodgkinson, Ryan Kavanagh, Daniel Dunne, Sam Brown. Managers: Mick Kearney and Gerry Lewins.

Date: 29/5/14Comp: Shield FinalVenue: Finn ParkKick Off: 7.00 pm

Under 11 Premier Shield FinalWicklow Rovers A 2 Greystones United A 3

James Nolan at Finn Park

The comeback of Wicklow Rovers fell just short at the final hurdle as the green and white’s of Wicklow Town lost out to Greystones United A in the Premier Shield final. Rovers came into the game looking to make it a hat-trick of trophies for them this campaign, having won the Premier League and Cup already this season. Greystones will be delighted to sign out of Wicklow League football with a piece of silverware as a memento, the boys in green and white stripes will be heading north to play their football in the Dublin League next season.The game featured two evenly matched sides, however Stones got their tactics spot on, knowing which Wicklow players were the danger men and to eliminate them, this was probably the major difference on the night. The first quarter of the game consisted of both teams having a very even share of possession and chances. Greystones danger man Shay O’Keefe earned the first chance of the night. O’Keefe piled lots of pressure to dispossess the Rovers defenders and shoot just narrowly wide of the post.Wicklow hit back with a brace of chances of their own. Firstly, Sam Brown crossed the ball into Ryan Kavanagh, custodian Sean O’Neill was equal to Kavanagh’s low and hard effort from the edge of the area, getting down to save well. Seconds later, Wicklow’s danger man, Max Kearney, cut in from the right wing, Kearney’s thunderous effort sailed just over the bar.The tide of the half changed from this point on, Greystones began to take control. Andrew Nolan was putting in a steady performance in the Rovers net, claiming anything he had to deal with, Stones at one point were probably wondering how they could beat him, but in the 18th minute Nolan’s resistance was finally broken. Greystones took the lead when the ball fell to Dylan Maher at the back post from a set piece, Maher managed to smash the ball past Nolan before the Rovers defenders had the chance to close him down.In the 27th minute it was two for Greystones, they were in dreamland. Patrick Byrne went on a solo run from the halfway line, forcing Nolan to get down low to save his effort, however Nolan was unable to keep the ball in his grasp and Shay O’Keefe was present to tap the ball past the stranded keeper. A typical poacher’s goal for the Greystones number five.Rovers had one last roll of the dice just before the break. Wicklow were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box when Sean O’Neill appeared to have carried the ball in his hands outside of his area off a kick out. Max Kearney took the shot, rattling the cross bar in the process, so close to pulling one back before the interval.Rovers were arguably in unfamiliar territory at half time and faced an uphill task in the second period. Greystones were standing tall at the back and looked dangerous every time they went forward on the counter attack. Wicklow made a good stab at it, making a few offensive changes at the break.Right on the return Rovers nearly had a goal back. A Sam Bishop cross found Conor Lewins at the back post, the angle was tight and O’Neill managed to push the ball wide at his near post. O’Neill was also coming up with the goods in the Greystones goal, saving everything Rovers threw at him, breaking their hearts in the process.Things went from bad to worse for Rovers as Greystones snatched a third. Shay O’Keefe nicked in from a long free kick into the box to smash the ball home and for the time being to put the result beyond any doubt.Fifteen minutes from time, a Max Kearney special gave Rovers a glimmer of hope. Kearney picked up the ball on the left and nestled his effort across O’Neill and into the far right hand corner.Kearney made the gap in the score line even narrower in the 52nd minute when he completed his brace. Sam Brown sent in a long free kick right in on top of Sean O’Neill and the keeper failed to catch the ball under pressure and Max Kearney managed to get his foot to the ball to convert and make for an interesting final eight minutes.In the end it just wasn’t to be for Wicklow Rovers as Greystones hung on for dear life in the dying minutes of the contest to enjoy one final glory in County Wicklow football. Wicklow will be disappointed not to complete the treble but a brace of trophies in the Premier Division is a fine achievement for a team that was a second tier side last campaign. Greystones leave the county on a high, they worked very hard to reduce the threat of Max Kearney and earn the gold they were searching for.Top Form: Shay O’Keefe (Greystones United A): A constant threat up top for United, caused all sorts of problems throughout the evening, as well as notching two goals for himself.

Sunday in the Hockey pitch was the place to be for anyone who wanted to watch an exciting game of football. Credit goes to both teams in this highly entertaining match which kept both sets of supporters on the edge right up to the final whistle. This game had everything that’s good about football. In the second minute Adam O'Reilly fired into the side netting. On five minutes Charlie Leonard tried his luck but his effort was blocked. Arklow went down the other end and their striker tested Aaron Lynch in the Rovers goal with Lynch saving down low at the front post. The opening goal came a minute later from Arklow's next attack, a powerful drive from fifteen yards gave the Wicklow keeper no chance. The lead didn't last long though, from the restart, a move involving Adam O'Reilly, Sean Murphy, James Hamilton and Cathal O'Brien ended with a long ball over the top from O'Brien picking out Scott Bushe who beautifully controlled the ball and then finished the job by smashing a powerful left footed thunderbolt past the keeper to level the game. Rovers were pushing on at this stage with the impressive Adam O'Reilly pulling the strings all over the pitch. It was O'Reilly's inch perfect pass which set up Rovers second goal on twenty minutes, he split the away defence wide open to find Charlie Leonard who made no mistake from just inside the box. This seem to spur Arklow on and on twenty two minutes they could have been level, Arklow broke through the Rovers rearguard but Aaron Lynch rescued his team racing off his line to deflect the ball away with an outstretched leg. The away side were now the team pushing forward and on two occasions Evan Dwyer came to his team's aid with two well timed challenges. On twenty five minutes Scott Bushe went close for Rovers but his shot was turned away by the keeper. Three minutes before the break Arklow levelled, a good flowing move involving four players ending with a neat finish which saw the sides go in at the interval all square at 2-2. The second period saw more of the same with both sides providing exciting attacking football. Two minutes into the second half Rovers restored their lead, a ball out of defence from Harrison Boxall found James Hamilton wide on the left, Hamilton slipped the ball in between two defenders to find Adam O'Reilly who coolly slotted past the advancing keeper for number three. Straight away Arklow looked to level and if it wasn't for Aaron Lynch in the Wicklow goal they could have been. In the thirty third minute he made a fantastic double save, first he parried away a fierce effort and then quickly got to his feet to block the rebound. Three minutes later Lynch was called on again, this time he dived at full stretch to push the ball around the post. Both sides pressed forward, Rovers in search of a fourth to kill the game off and Arklow the goal which would draw them level. After forty two minutes Adam O'Reilly received the ball from Harrison Boxall, O'Reilly weaved his way past three players but could only watch on agonisingly as his placed effort went the wrong side of the upright. With eight minutes remaining the superb Aaron Lynch produced an unbelievable save, an Arklow player hit a thunderous shot which had goal written all over it but some how Lynch managed to get a hand to the ball as it was heading for the top corner to claw it away to maintain the lead for the home team. Just when it looked like Wicklow had done enough to secure all three points disaster struck, in injury time Arklow netted an equaliser to break the hearts of the home team and their supporters. In truth this was a game that could have went either way, it was a game that was played in great spirit with both sets of supporters encouraging their players. For Rovers Aaron Lynch in between the posts was absolutely excellent pulling off several top class saves, even though the game produced six goals both defences were worked hard and only for some good defending from Cathal O'Brien, Evan Dwyer and Harrison Boxall, Arklow could have scored more. In the centre of the park Adam O'Reilly was everywhere covering every blade of grass on the pitch and topping his performance off with a goal. Sean Murphy and James Hamilton both aided O'Reilly in the midfield with both players working tirelessly. Up top the Rovers front two of Scott Bushe and Charlie Leonard were a handful for the Arklow rearguard with both players getting on the score sheet. SQUAD: Aaron Lynch, Cathal O'Brien, Evan Dwyer, Harrison Boxall, Adam O'Reilly, Sean Murphy, James Hamilton, Charlie Leonard, Scott Bushe.

Date: 8/3/14Comp: LeagueVenue: Rocky RoadKick Off: 9.45 am

Under 12 Division 1Wicklow Rovers A 9 Newtown Juniors 0

A dull and blustery Saturday morning saw Wicklow Rovers take on a rather under strength Newtown Juniors side in the Rocky Road. Juniors had the bare 11 players with their most notable absentee being skipper Jack Elliot. Rovers were coming into this game with a lot of momentum having won all three of their opening games, scoring 17 goals and conceding none.The first chance of the match went to Newtown in the opening minutes. Steven Couglan made a run from midfield and hit a shot from long range, which was routinely saved by Liam Connolly. In the seventh minute Wicklow opened the scoring. Jamie Noble played a long ball over the top from the back up to Paul Marah who fired the ball across the keeper and into the corner.It only took a minute for Rovers to score again. Dylan Doyle picked up the ball out on the right wing and with an ambitious effort lobbed the keeper to make it 2-0. Rovers continued to threaten with Michael Ryan and Scott Sheridan both firing efforts just wide of the post. In the sixteenth minute Rovers made it three. Frankie Reynolds and Paul Marah smartly linked up from a short corner with the latter crossing the ball into the box for Jamie Noble to head the ball into the bottom corner of the net.Almost immediately after Rovers scored again. Captain Craig Anderson pumped a long ball into the box and Scott Sheridan was on the end of it to slot the ball home. The first half was a fairly frustrating one for the impressive Nathan Sullivan with the midfielder having plenty of chances but just being unable to convert.Twenty two minutes in and it was 5-0 to Wicklow. Robbie Hoffman fired a shot from range which was saved by the keeper, this lead to a very messy goal line scramble which ended in Frankie Reynolds knocking the ball past Kyle Faite and into the back of net. Newtown responded by creating a chance of their own. Andrew McMahan went on a solo run down the left but only managed to hit his eventual shot across the face of goal with no strikers being there to poke it in. Rovers then got two quick fire goals before half time. Firstly in the 29th minute, Craig Anderson hoofed a long ball up to Scott Sheridan in the box who scored a very similar goal to his first and in stoppage time Sheridan scored again following a Jamie Noble cross from the right hand side.The halftime score line was 7-0 to the home side. Rovers made use of both of their subs at the interval, bringing on Brandon O’Brien and Josh Watson to replace Frankie Reynolds and Robbie Hoffman.Two minutes into the second period Rovers won a free kick form 25 yards out. Craig Anderson stepped up to take the set piece and forced Newtown goalie Kyle Faite into a good save. Substitute Brandon O’Brien caused the Newtown defence problems when he was unlucky not to score his effort on goal. In the 42nd minute Rovers were on the scoresheet once again. Nathan Sullivan broke clean through on goal, smashing the ball past the keeper to make it 8-0. This was a well deserved goal for Sullivan after all his efforts in the game.Paul Marah, the man who opened the scoring was the man that also closed the scoring when he completed the Wicklow rout making it nine for the hosts.This makes it four wins out of four for Wicklow Rovers in the Division 1 league, now scoring 26 goals and conceding none in those four games. While Newtown will look to get their important players fit again to get their title challenge back on track.

There were feelings of nostalgia in the Rocky Road last Tuesday evening as the club’s stars of the past were present to cheer on the club’s future stars. Founding members Teddy Dunne and Michael Loughlin had front row seats to watch the crowning of Willie O’Brien’s under 12A team as WDSL Division 1 League champions.It was a game of many chances for Rovers and as the score line suggests they took the vast majority of them. Two weeks previous Rovers came out of Bridgewater Centre Park with all three points, winning by two goals to nil but the Town gave them nothing less than a tough contest. Wicklow needed to win this game as anything less than a victory would leave the title race firmly in the hands of Roundwood. In a game that started off with both sides edgy, Rovers took the lead after just four minutes. Paul Marah lobbed a ball through to Frankie Reynolds who calmly slotted home to give his side the lead. This wasn’t the only time we would hear from Reynolds in the match. Just one minute later Wicklow’s advantage was doubled. Paul Marah went on a solo run, shooting in from a tight angle to make it 2-0. It was goals galore, almost immediately following Marah’s goal Arklow pulled one back. A through ball deflected off a Rovers defender fell in to the path of Arklow’s no.10 and the front man rounded Liam Connolly to tap in to an empty net, making affairs very interesting. The same Arklow player had numerous efforts in the following minutes, shooting wide and forcing Liam Connolly into a full stretch diving save. Just as it looked like the home side were getting nervous in the heat of the occasion, they went up and nicked a goal at the other end. Sloppy Arklow defending lead to Frankie Reynolds sneaking in to take the ball and knock it past the custodian to restore Wicklow’s two goal advantage and double his personal tally.It seemed like every time Rovers scored a goal it was inevitable that they would score again quickly after, just as they did in the fourth and fifth minutes. The same would happen again as Frankie Reynolds completed his hat-trick a minute after completing his brace. Scott Sheridan played in a cross from the right, the ball fell to the right man at the time in Frankie Reynolds who had no doubt in his mind that he was going to score, blasting in, making it 4-1.Rovers would then bag another two quick fire goals before the interval. Firstly, Scott Sheridan picked up the ball at the edge of the are, firing his shot across the custodian and into the top left hand corner of the net, arguably the best finish of the night. The next minute, Paul Marah showed great skill, beating two Arklow defenders and sliding past the keeper to make it six for Rovers who at this stage knew the league title was well on its way to the green side of Wicklow. Scott Sheridan, Nathan Sullivan and Dylan Doyle would then round off the scoring in the second half for Rovers while the home side also kept things tight in the defensive end of things. The full time whistle blew securing Wicklow Rovers status as WDSL Division 1 League champions, sparking celebrations amongst players, coaches and the crowd of supporters. Teddy Dunne and Michael Loughlin stood and watched on, knowing the club they created is in good hands for the future.

A sunny but cold Sunday morning saw the Hockey Pitch host the Metro Girls Subsidiary Cup semi final between Wicklow Rovers and Dublin side Mount Merrion. It had potential to be a tight affair after Mount Merrion narrowly won the league fixture 3-2.It was the visitors who got off the mark faster when they broke away in the 3 rd minute to score and go 1-0 up, leaving the Rovers girls and supporters shell shocked. But the girls made up for this, hitting back straight away when Grainne Phelan went on a solo run beating three Merrion defenders and slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1. This was a sign of what was to come from Rovers for much of the game.A minute later Wicklow were looking to double their lead when Grainne Phelan played the ball to Lauren Gregory who had her attempt saved. In the 7 th minute Grainne Phelan was involved once again, playing a through ball to Clodagh Irwin who had her initial effort saved by the keeper but she was in the right place to tuck away the rebound and make it 2-1 to the Wicklow Side.Nine minutes in, Grainne Phelan showed a great bit of skill, flicking the ball up over hers and the defenders head and firing a volley that was destined for goal but the keeper went full stretch to save superbly. Rovers continued to look dangerous when Sinead McGettigan saw her shot go wide.One minute later Grainne Phelan hit a shot from range which was spilled by the keeper and Lauren Gregory was their to follow in and make it 3-1 to the Wicklow girls. In the 15th minute Grainne Phelan continued to cause havoc when she hit the post following a run down the wing, Emer McNulty fired the breaking ball wide. In the 29th minute Rovers hit a long ball out of defence up to Grainne Phelan who beat the last defender to blast the ball past the advancing keeper putting Rovers 4-1 to the good. In stoppage time of the first period Mount Merrion tried to pull one back when their number 6 smashed a volley wide from a corner ball.Wicklow Rovers couldn’t have asked for a better half, going into half time break with a 4-1 lead.The second half began the same way as the first half ended with Rovers in control. Only three minutes into the half Wicklow increased their tally to five when Sinead McGettigan cut in from the left and let fly, putting the ball past the goalie and into the bottom corner. Despite being four goals behind Merrion continued to search for goals when they had an effort go wide in the 38th minute. However, Rovers completed their rout four minutes later when Sinead McGettigan scored her second goal of the game, cutting in from the right and smashing the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net.The Mount Merrion girls were not overly deflated by this because two minutes later their striker forced Lauren Gregory in the Rovers goal into a good save. In the 48th minute the impressive Grainne Phelan troubled yet again when she saw her shot from long range just creep over the bar and three minutes later Phelan had yet another opportunity to complete her hat-trick when a poor kick out by the keeper fell straight to her but her effort was well saved. Wicklow continued to pile on all the pressure when Holly Hamilton had her shot saved by the busy Merrion goalkeeper. Five minutes from the end Mount Merrion pulled one back when a move that involved five girls ended with a goal, making the score line 6-2. In the final minute of regulation time Merrion had their last effort on goal cleared off the line by Kelly Phelan. The full time whistle sounded booking Wicklow Rovers place in the Subsidiary Cup final where they will take on either Balbriggan or Grange Woodbine. The stand out performers for Wicklow were Grainne Phelan and Sinead McGettigan in what was an excellent all round team performance. This was a highly entertaining game with loads of thrills played in a great spirit from both teams.

Rovers went into this game on the back of a good win away to Greystones United last week so confidence was high. They started on the front foot straight from the kick off putting the visitors under pressure. Daniel Fitzsimons was the first to test the keeper but he was equal to it pushing the ball away. Sean Farrell was next to try his luck but the keeper saved well. On twenty minutes Conor Byrne worked his way past two defenders before unleashing a stinging shot but yet again the Newtown keeper was on hand to save. Five minutes before the break Rovers pressure finally told, Conor Byrne picked the ball up wide out on the left, he cut infield drifting past three Newtown players before curling his effort to the far corner. The Newtown keeper brilliantly turned the ball away but he could do nothing as he watched Daniel Fitzsimons follow up to tap the ball home. A minute later things got even better, Sean Leonard fired home a thunderous effort from the edge of the area which went in off the inside of the far post. In injury time Daniel Fitzsimons had a chance to make it three but he could only watch helplessly as his shot drifted the wrong side of the post. Three minutes into the second period the impressive Ryan Corrigan played a long sweeping pass to find Conor Byrne who was denied by the away keeper. On thirty seven minutes Conor Byrne won possession on the half way line and then we all witnessed what will probably be one of the goals of the season. He embarked on a solo run going past four players before coolly slotting past the advancing keeper to make it 3-0. To the away team's credit they kept playing neat football and they got their reward after fourty two minutes when they pulled one back. Straight from the restart Sean Coffey made an excellent save to preserve his sides two goal cushion. On fourty eight minutes Rovers killed off the game when Daniel Fitzsimons slammed home his second of the match and the home teams fourth. With eight minutes remaining Cian O'Brien latched onto the ball to fire in number five and two minutes later it was six when Sean Leonard pounced on to a breaking ball inside the eighteen yard box to fire home his second of the game. There was still time for another goal and this time it fell to the ever busy Daniel Fitzsimons who netted in the dying seconds to complete his hat-trick in an impressive home debut. This was an excellent all round team performance with every man playing his part. Both sides played some nice neat football which was a joy to watch.SQUAD: Sean Coffey, Ryan Corrigan, Fiachra O'Briain, Tom Farrell, Eoin Screenan, Sean Farrell, Tristan O'Toole, Sean Leonard, Cillian Kelly, Conor Byrne, Daniel Fitzsimons, Jack Colaluca, Cian O'Brien, Shane Cullinan.

Date : 10/11/13Comp : SFAI CupVenue : WhitegatesKick Off : 12.00

Under 13 SFAI Cup Third RoundWicklow Rovers A 4 Abbeyleix 0

Rovers got off to a dream start in their third round national cup game at the Whitegates, after three minutes Conor Byrne fired low and hard into the bottom corner to give Wicklow an early advantage. After the early goal the game was based around a lot of play in the middle of the park. The next chance of note came after fifteen minutes when Daniel Fitzsimons headed narrowly wide from a corner. The remainder of the first period saw both sides create very little in the way of clear cut chances. Its was the away side who did have the only opportunity, coming just three minutes before the break. The Abbeyleix number eight beat the offside trap but Sean Coffey in the Wicklow goal was alert racing off his line to save at the Abbeyleix's players feet to prevent an equaliser. The second half saw Wicklow pile forward looking to kill the game, in the thirty ninth minute Conor Byrne cut in from the left flank but his well struck effort was turned away by the keeper. Shortly after Jack Colaluca sent an accurate cross to find Sean Leonard but he placed his shot the wrong side of the post. Rovers pressure told in the space of a three minute period between the fifty third and fifty sixth minute, their golden spell saw them net three times to put the match to bed. On fifty three minutes Tristan O'Toole controlled the ball on the edge of the area, took two steps forward before unleashing a stinging shot to find the back of the net to make it 2-0. A minute later it was 3-0, Owen Sreenan stole into the six yard box to fire home. The icing on the cake came seconds later when Jack Colaluca hit a thunderous shot from all of thirty five yards which whistled into the top corner of the net to give the away keeper no chance. At this stage the game was over as a contest as Rovers ran out comfortable victors.SQUAD : Sean Coffey, Ryan Corrigan, Fiachra O'Briain, Shane Cullinan, Sean Farrell, Tristan O'Toole, Dylan Frazer, Cian O'Brien, Jack Colaluca, Conor Byrne, Daniel Fitzsimons, Cillian Kelly, Owen Sreenan, Sean Leonard, Tom Farrell, Shane Lincoln.

Date: 2/3/14Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 10.00 am

Under 13 WDSL Premier LeagueWicklow Rovers 6-0 Ashford Rovers

Saturday morning saw Wicklow Rovers under 13A host Ashford Rovers. Both sides recorded victories over Enniskerry FC in their respective opening league games and with only five kilometres separating the two sides on the map, the stakes were high. Wicklow Rovers were coming into the game with momentum following their recent qualification for the Premier Shield final.It took Wicklow only four minutes to create their first chance with Daniel Fitzsimons and Shane Cullinan linking up on the right wing with the latter skinning two defenders and having his shot saved by Dylan O’Connor. On the ten minute mark Wicklow threatened again when the ball fell to star striker Conor Byrne who had his attempt from range saved and a minute later Byrne was causing havoc again when Daniel Fitzsimons slipped him through on goal. Dylan O’Connor in the Ashford goal came out to narrow the angle and Conor Byrne fired his shot over O’Connor and over the bar.The very next play saw Ashford get their first chance when David Eivors went clean through on goal and hit his effort high and over the bar. In the 16th minute Wicklow took the lead. Jack Culaluca picked up the ball out on the left wing and spotted the custodian off his line, lobbing him from 30 yards out to make it 1-0.Twenty three minutes in saw David Eivor break through on goal again and this time his attempted lob over Wicklow keeper Sean Coffey went over the bar. Three minutes before the break Ashford had another opportunity to level the game. Oisin Hill swung in a corner from the left and the ball was met in the air by Kian Marah but his goal bound header was blocked off the line by Tom Farrell.The halftime score line was 1-0 to Wicklow Rovers with the game very tight. The major change at half time was Dylan Frazer replacing Sean Coffey in the Wicklow net, and he didn’t look out of place. Only four minutes into the half Frazer pulled off a double save, first from an Ashford free kick and then off a follow up shot from Eoghan Doyle.In the 35th minute Wicklow doubled their advantage when top scorer Conor Byrne went on a solo run down the left and cut in, firing his shot across the goalie and making it 2-0, scoring his 28th goal of the season.Three minutes later Wicklow scored again. Daniel Fitzsimons swung in a corner which was met by skipper Ryan Corrigan who struck the ball home and make it 3-0 and a few minutes later Corrigan was causing more problems from set pieces when he back heeled the ball in mid air but his spectacular effort went wide.In the 44th minute Daniel Fitzsimons forced Dylan O’Connor into a good stop, forcing the Ashford stopper to tip the ball around the post for a corner. Wicklow went 4-0 up from the corner that followed. The ball fell to Tristian O’Toole in the area who squared the ball to Daniel Fitzsimons with the in form man tapping in to make it four.Wicklow scored again on the 48th minute mark when Shane Cullian rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home to make it 5-0. Daniel Fitzsimons completed the rout in the 51st minute when he went through on goal and coolly knocked the ball past the advancing O’Connor, doubling his tally in the process. Ashford had the final chance of the game five minutes from time when Ben Collins shot forced stand in keeper Dylan Frazer into another good save. Ashford Rovers will be disappointed with their second half performance after giving a good account of themselves in the first period but Wicklow Rovers will be delighted with their rampant second half display.

A sunny spring evening saw Newtown Juniors play host to Wicklow Rovers A at the Newtown Community Grounds. This is the fourth meeting of the sides this season. Rovers completed the double over juniors in the shield winning 7-1 at home and 4-0 away, but Newtown did eliminate Wicklow from the cup with a 2-0 victory so Newtown were out make it two a piece.It took a bit of time for both teams to get going and get settled into their rhythms. The first opportunity of the game went to the home side when Ciara Dease hit a shot from the edge of the 18 yard line, forcing Sean Coffey to parry out of the danger zone. For the next while Wicklow had a good spell of possession in the Newtown half without creating any chnces to open the scoring.In the 18 th minute the boys in green opened the scoring. Conor Byrne played a cross into Daniel Fitzsimons who beat the keeper at his near post to make it 1-0 to Rovers. Newtown went in search of an equaliser before half time. Newtown’s number 10 skipped past two Wicklow defenders and fired a low and hard shot which Sean Coffey was able to get down to and save.Rovers nearly doubled their lead immediately after the break. Conor Byrne and Jack Colaluca linked up with a short corner with the latter crossing the ball into the box where Tristian O’Toole met the ball with his head, heading over the bar.In the 40th minute Jack Colaluca slipped a ball to Shane Lincoln, Lincoln ran a distance with the ball at his feet before hitting his shot wide of the post. Three minutes later Rovers should have been home and dry. Conor Byrne played a through ball to Daniel Fitzsimons putting him one on one with the Newtown custodian and it was the keeper that won the battle with a great save. The final ten minutes consisted of Newtown pressure with the home side constantly knocking on the door in search of a leveller. Newtown’s number four had three efforts from set pieces in these ten minutes but he was not able to put any on target, much to the relief of the Wicklow men. The win means Rovers extend their lead at the top of the Premier league table. A share of the spoils with Arklow Town is the only tarnish on Wicklow’s record thus far.

Rovers got their season off to a flyer in the Whitegates on Sunday with a comprehensive victory over Greystones United. They laid the gauntlet down as early as the first minute forcing the away keeper into a good save. In the ninth minute they took the lead, Ciaran Coffey and Eli Graham combined to set up Jack Dunne on the edge of the area who clinically fired home. After fifteen minutes Stephen Finlay found Dean Noble out on the right, Dean played a neat one two with Jack Dunne before watching his effort from just outside the box being clawed away by the keeper. Rovers pressed forward and Jack Dunne went close a minute later only for his shot to sail just over. The second goal came after twenty minutes when Eli Graham slipped Ronan Murray in to coolly slot the ball into the far right hand corner. From the restart Rossa Marron in the Rovers goal had to be alert to push the ball away after a well struck effort from the Greystones man. Wicklow continued to pile forward and on twenty six minutes number three arrived. Jack Dunne picked the ball up just inside his opponents half, took on the defender and then swung in a cross which was nodded on by Stuart Cox, Ronan Murray got on the end of the knock down to delicately finish to the net for his second and Rovers third. The away side were unlucky not to pull one back in the thirty first minute when a thunderous shot smashed off the crossbar. On the stroke of half time Daniel Harbourne found Stuart Cox whose goal bound shot was well saved by the Greystones keeper. The second half was more of the same with Rovers making all the running, two minutes after the break the home team nabbed their fourth. Daniel Harbourne and Patrick O’Keane played some neat football out on the left before setting Eli Graham away who accurately fired home from an acute angle. The Rovers defence of Ciaran Coffey, Adam Waldron, Daniel Harbourne and Dean Noble were solid all game and on the odd occasion when they were breached Rossa Marron in the home goal was excellent as he proved to be in the forty fifth minute when he got down low to save. A minute later it was 5-0, a Jack Dunne corner was powerfully headed home by Luca Rampersaud to give the keeper no chance. The same player went close shortly after when he fired just over. On sixty three minutes Rossa Marron pulled off another good save to keep his goal intact and a minute later when Greystones did get pass the keeper Ciaran Coffey was on hand to clear off the line. With a minute left Jack Dunne unselfishly set up Ronan Murray for a simple tap in to complete his hat-trick and in injury time Luca Rampersaud got his second and Rovers seventh. This was a good all round team performance from the whole squad and a very good start to the season.SQUAD: Rossa Marron, Dean Noble, Daniel Harbourne, Adam Waldron, Ciaran Coffey, Jack Dunne, Luca Rampersaud, Stephen Finlay, Eli Graham, Stuart Cox, Ronan Murray, Patrick O’Keane.

Date: 9/3/14Comp: ShieldVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 9.45 am

Under 14 Premier ShieldWicklow Rovers A 3 Enniskerry FC 0

At the beginning of the season it is every teams ambition to qualify for a final. After all it is a day out for the team and for the club! Wicklow Rovers achieved just this on Sunday morning when they defeated Enniskerry FC in Whitegates to secure qualification for the WDSL Premier Shield final.Rovers came into the game knowing at least a point would book their place in the final. The first twenty minutes of the game were fairly slow with both teams struggling to get into their rhythm. Stephen Finlay hit the first shot of the game in the eighth minute, which was saved well by the keeper.Finlay was involved again in the 21st minute when he opened the scoring for Wicklow. Ronan Murray picked the ball up in the middle of the park, passing to Finlay who went on a solo run beating three defenders and slotting past the keeper with his weaker foot to make it 1-0.Two minutes later Rovers threatened again. Jack Dunne headed the ball down to Stephen Finlay, Finlay skilfully flicked the ball over the defender’s head and unleashed a powerful effort which was well saved by the custodian. Enniskerry then had a chance of their own from a free kick. Their number ten stepped up to take the set piece but his attempt hardly troubled Rossa Marron in the Rovers goal.The half came to a close with Rovers unlucky not to double their lead. Jack Dunne floated a corner into the box, which was met by Patrick O’Keane but O’Keane’s effort was cleared off the line and away from danger. The half time score was 1-0 to the hosts.Rovers didn’t do too badly in the first half but they knew themselves they weren’t performing to their full potential and after a convincing half time team talk they came out better in the second period.Wicklow doubled their lead a few minutes after half time. A Jack Dunne corner resulted in the away goalie spilling his attempted catch and Daniel Harbourne being on hand to poke the ball in to make it 2-0. In the 53rd minute Rossa Marron was called into action. Enniskerry’s number 13 played through number 9 whose thunderous effort was superbly tipped onto the bar by Marron. Easily save of the game!A matter of minutes later and it was 3-0 to Rovers. Substitute Ben Watson played a cross in from the left to Eli Graham who blasted home to make it three. The next five minutes consisted of Enniskerry pressure. Rossa Marron was called into action twice. In the 61st minute he saved a well struck shot by number 10 and three minutes later he saved a one on one. Marron was in fine form! The last opportunity of the game went to Ben Watson. The substitute looking to get a goal for himself saw his shot tipped around the post by the opposition keeper. The full time whistle sounded securing Rovers place in the Premier Shield final and ruining any outside chances Enniskerry had of making the big date. Man of the match goes to Rossa Marron who was excellent whenever he was called upon, he didn’t put a foot wrong all game!

Having already secured qualification for the Premier shield Final, Wicklow Rovers under 14A’s reached their second final of the season after defeating Arklow Town A to advance to the Premier Cup final. This tie had all the ingredients to be a cracker as the two sides have a history of producing close and entertaining games. In the three previous meetings this campaign, Rovers have two victories while Town have one win over the green and white’s.The visitors were quickest out of the blocks with Stuart Cox breaking clean through on goal and striking just wide of the post in the opening minute of the game. Four minutes later Cox had another opportunity when Luca Rampersaud played a perfectly weighted through ball but Cox failed in his attempt to round Arklow custodian, Christopher Makin. Although Wicklow had all the clear cut chances early on it was far from a one sided affair. The possession stats were split down the middle but at times Arklow just over passed the ball or couldn’t make the killer pass to unlock the Rovers back four.In the 20th minute Jack Dunne thought he had given Wicklow the lead but his effort from a corner was cleared off the line by Keith Carty. One minute later Rovers did take the lead. Jack Dunne played Stuart Cox through on goal and it was third time lucky for Cox who shot across Makin and into the bottom left hand corner to put the visitors one up and to bring his goal scoring tally to 16 for the season.The remainder of the half consisted of little chances with both teams sharing even amounts of the ball in central areas of the pitch. In the 33rd minute a move involving numerous Arklow attackers ended with Liam Moore shooting over. It was 1-0 to the Wicklow outfit at the break. The first period was 50-50 in terms of possession of the ball but Rovers created more chances than the hosts and this showed in the score line at the interval. The Town managed to create more opportunities for themselves in the second half. Four minutes into the half, Sean Crowley fired a shot just wide. A few minutes later Crowley was involved again when he hit a low and hard drive but Rossa Marron was able to get down and get the ball in his grasp.Paul King nearly doubled Rovers lead after he went on a good run down the left flank, firing his eventual shot over the bar. In the 58th minute Arklow went agonisingly close to levelling. Keith Carty broke past the Rovers line of defence, hitting his shot across the keeper and just wide of the post. The tension was well and truly in the air with Arklow throwing everything at Wicklow in search of an equaliser and in the 62nd minute they nearly got one.Sean Crowley played the ball to Keith Carty out wide and in turn Keith Carty crossed the ball in to Eoin Darcy in the box but Darcy was unable to put his effort on target. Despite Arklow piling on the pressure, Rovers had a chance of their own at the other end. A Paul King cross into the box was met by Stuart Cox, with Cox’s shot not testing Christopher Makin and going harmlessly wide.Arklow’s last throw of the dice came well into injury time with substitute Eoin Darcy firing his shot wide. Referee Seamus Ferguson blew his whistle to signal full time and book Wicklow Rovers place in the Under 14 WDSL Premier Cup final. Rovers will take on either Avonmore or Enniskerry FC, who contest the other semi final, in the climax of the competition. Arklow will see this as a missed opportunity as they managed to create more chances in the second period but very few were good enough to test Rossa Marron in the Wicklow goal. Rovers missed their fair share of opportunities too but they managed to score the all important deciding goal as well as keeping Arklow at bay with a solid defensive display. Star Player: Stuart Cox, he never gave the Arklow defenders a moment’s peace.

Part two of a possible treble was completed by Wicklow Rovers A on Saturday as they were triumphant over Enniskerry FC with a five goals to one score line in the WDSL under 14 Premier Cup final.Wicklow Rovers were coming into the game in very fine fettle, having won the Premier Shield last weekend at Whitegates, beating Avonmore 2-1. To add more confidence in the Wicklow camp, Rovers came into the tie knowing Enniskerry have been unable to beat them in any competition this campaign, a fairly daunting stat for the red and whites.Enniskerry never really kicked into full flow in this game and after pulling the game back to 2-1 at one stage, they will wonder what could have been, where as Wicklow Rovers looked very impressive in a good all round team performance for them.The deadlock was broken ten minutes into the game and it was broken in favour of the green and white’s. Superb build up play involving, Stuart Cox and Ben Watson ended with Patrick O’Keane heading the ball down to the feet of Jack Dunne, Dunne coolly slotted past Conroy to give Rovers a flying start.A few minutes later Enniskerry had a fantastic chance to level. A wayward shot by Max O’Reilly fell to Jack Kissane, with Kissane’s powerful effort forcing Rovers custodian Rossa Marron into a full stretch diving save.Rovers doubled their lead in the 23rd minute. Adam Waldron threw the ball to Stephen Finlay, Finlay used a slick bit of skill to get past two protectors to cut in from the right wing, letting fly with a left footed shot that sailed over the keeper and into the roof of the net.Enniskerry were already facing an uphill battle, the north Wicklow side never got out of the traps in the first period and weren’t really able to keep up with the fast tempo Wicklow were playing at.However, two minutes after the interval Enniskerry handed themselves a lifeline. Alex Flynn managed to wriggle past the Rovers back four and break clean through on goal, Flynn was very level headed in his one on one with Marron and calmly slotted past him to briefly make things interesting. Rovers then suffered a setback when powerful central midfielder Stephen Finlay had to be substituted, following a strong clash with a fellow player. Finlay was carted off to the back of an ambulance where he received treatment and forward Ronan Murray came on in his place. Murray did not look out of place when he came on, it only took him a matter of minutes to leave his mark on proceedings. A Jack Dunne free from the left resulted in a scrappy scramble inside the six yard box, Murray appeared at the back post to take his chance and nod in the third.Following his finish, Ronan Murray then went and earned an assist for himself when he laid off Luca Rampersaud for a tap in of a fourth goal.In the 58th minute it was five for Wicklow. Jack Dunne slipped a through ball to Stuart Cox, Cox has taken the league by storm with his goal scoring abilities this season so from there on there was never really any doubt on what the outcome would be.For the second week running, Wicklow were celebrating at the sound of the final whistle and on the day the victory was thoroughly deserved. Rovers will now look to complete the treble with victory in the under 14 Premier League, but Avonmore, Greystones United, Enniskerry and Arklow Town still have a say in the final reckoning in the title race.Top Form: Today it would be too difficult to choose one player, as all Wicklow Rovers players put in a good shift in a very good all round team display.

This game ended scoreless in ordinary time and for a game without goals in normal time it was as an exciting game as you could expect. Both sides had their chances and it was the home team who had the first opening. After five minutes a move involving Brian O’Sullivan, Joe Cummiskey and Colin Sinnott ended with Kevin O’Halloran blasting wide. Naas broke up the other end and saw a first time shot from their number nine go just past the post. After a quarter of an hour Corrie Tyrell Mitchell switched play with a long sweeping pass from the left to the right side to set Kevin O’Halloran in but his powerful shot was well saved. The visitors went up the other end and went close with an effort of their own. Kevin O’Halloran then slipped a neat pass to split the away defence and put in Andrew Earls whose well struck shot was deflected out for a corner which came to nothing. In the space of three minutes Callum Vickers in the Rovers goal came to his sides rescue with two fantastic saves, first he got down low to turn the ball around the post and shortly after he raced off his line to save with his feet. Both defences were in great form, Brian O’Sullivan was excellent in the centre of the Rovers rearguard and was ably assisted by Jamie Power, Corrie Tyrell Mitchell and Joe Cummiskey. Hugh Humby and Kevin O’Halloran were busy in the middle of the park with Colin O’Toole a constant threat up front. Just on the half time whistle Rovers went close, Luke Purdy swung the ball across from the left with Colin O’Toole flashing a header narrowly past the post. In the fifty third minute Luke Purdy tried his luck but could only watch as his effort drifted wide. In the 55 th minute Naas broke quickly and had a shot blocked by Callum Vickers in the Rovers goal and then brilliantly cleared off the line by the impressive Brian O’Sullivan. With not much happening in line of goal chances since the goal line clearance Corrie Tyrell Mitchell passed the ball through to Andrew Earls who created a half chance but was unable to convert. A minute later Andrew Earls whipped in a cross to Colin O’Toole who headed over the bar. There were no more chances to note in normal time and at full time the score was 0-0. Midway into the first half of extra time Kevin O’Halloran set Colin O’Toole away who won the race to the ball with the defender to slide the ball past the advancing keeper to give Rovers a deserved lead. At half time in extra time Rovers were 1-0 up. There was not much to note in the second period of extra time and it looked like Rovers were heading for victory but with a minute left on the clock the visitors cruelly drew level to send the match to a dreaded penalty shootout which is always a lottery. The away side ended winning the game 4-2 on penalties and this was an injustice to a gallant Rovers side who deserved more from this game.SQUAD: Callum Vickers, Joe Cummiskey, Corrie Tyrell Mitchell, Jamie Power, Brian O’Sullivan, Colin Sinnott, Hugh Humby, Kevin O’Halloran, Luke Purdy, Colin O’Toole, Andrew Earls, Josh Browne, Mark Darragh, Oisin Breen.

Date: 9/3/14Comp: LeagueVenue: Finlay ParkKick Off: 2.00 pm

WDSL Under 16 Premier LeagueWicklow Town AFC 0 Wicklow Rovers 5

Nothing like a local derby to close out the weekend’s football! Sunday afternoon saw Wicklow Town AFC take on Wicklow Rovers in the under 16 Premier League. This is the third meeting of the two sides this season and the first in the Town’s ground. Rovers won the previous two encounters in Whitegates, winning 1-0 in the cup and 5-1 in the reverse league fixture. With only a metal fence separating the two sides home pitches, it promised to be an exciting affair. Wicklow Rovers went into the game needing three points to keep up the pressure on Coolboy Rangers at the top of the table but their local rivals were out to stop them! It was the visitors who earned the first chance of the game. Luke Purdy played a long ball over the top to Colin O’Toole, goalie Conor Clack came off his line and saved O’Toole’s effort.A minute later Town had a chance of their own when Jordan Quinn saw his shot from the left saved by Callum Vickers in the Rovers goal. In the tenth minute Josh Browne played through Andrew Earls who had his thunderous effort excellently saved by Clack. Play was then stopped for two full minutes for the most bizarre reason. No it wasn’t stopped due to an injury, the game was stopped because a dog invaded the pitch and he wasn’t leaving the field of play without putting up a fight! This provided a bit of comic relief to a fairly intense derby. Play finally resumed and Rovers opened the scoring. Colin Synnott whipped in a corner from the left which Andrew Earls met and after having his initial effort saved, he followed in to score and make it 1-0 the visitors. Two minutes later Earls nearly doubled his tally when a move involving Kevin O’Halloran and Colin O’Toole ended with Earls heading over the bar.The next ten minutes consisted of Wicklow Town pressure with the home side searching for an equaliser. Firstly a scramble from a corner ended with Jordan Quinn firing a shot wide and not so long after, Thomas Kearns had his long range shot saved by Callum Vickers. However the last chance of the half went to Rovers. Luke Purdy launched a long free kick into the dangerous Earls who had his shot saved by the in form county goalkeeper, Conor Clack.The half time score was 1-0 to Rovers in a tight encounter. It was the Town who were quickest out of the blocks in the second period. Jordan Quinn and John Moorehouse both had attempts saved by Vickers.But despite the Wicklow Town pressure Rovers were on the score sheet again in the 47th minute. Ben Fleming made a run down the right, beating the defender and squaring the ball to Andrew Earls who got his and his team’s second goal of the game. In the 59th minute it was three for Rovers. A long ball was pumped up to substitute Ben Fleming who had his shot saved but Colin O’Toole was on hand to tap in the rebound, scoring his fourteenth goal of the season. Andrew Earls then had a chance to complete his hat-trick with a free kick. He managed to put his effort on target but it didn’t cause the custodian any problems. Rovers continued their search for more goals and in the 71st minute, Mark Darragh played Colin O’Toole through on goal but Clack came out to narrow the angle and O’Toole put his effort wide. Rovers completed their tally by scoring twice in the final five minutes of the game. Andrew Earls completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute following good pressure from Mark Darragh and one minute later Ben Fleming completed the rout when he made a fantastic solo run, running half the length of the pitch and slotting it home to make it 5-0. The full time whistled sounded securing a much needed three points for the green side of Wicklow, although they may not mean much if Coolboy manage to get a win at home to Wolfe Tone Youth Club which would secure the title for the Coolafancy outfit. Wicklow Town made a good game out of it in the first half but went off the boil in the second half.

It was take two in the under 16 Premier Cup semi final between Wicklow Rovers and Coolboy Rangers. The tie was originally played two weeks ago with Coolboy coming out 2-1 victors but the fixture was replayed this week due to confusion over a Rangers player’s suspension. The end result of this game matched that of the previous with Coolboy winning by two goals to one. It had all the ingredients to be a cracker with Rangers winning the under 16 Premier League and Rovers finishing runners up earlier this season.Coolboy took the lead after 11 minutes. Adam Barnes went on a run down the left flank, Barnes swung a deep cross into Rian Daunt Smyth who fired past Callum Vickers to give the visitors an early lead. Rovers nearly hit back immediately. Kevin O’Halloran saw a gap in the Rangers defence, firing a low shot from range inches wide of the post.The game seemed to be wide open in the first period, there was potential goals in it for either side if they could create the chances. Mid way through the half Adam Barnes went on a similar run to the one that lead to the earlier goal but the winger only managed to shoot across the box and harmlessly wide.Ten minutes later Wicklow had their best chance of the half to level the scoring. Colin O’Toole laid off Kevin O’Halloran who let fly from a distance, Coolboy custodian Nathan Keane parried the effort but nobody was there to tap in for Rovers. Rovers were coming into the game towards the end of the half, enjoying a fair share of possession inside the guests half without creating many noteworthy chances. Stoppage time of the first half saw Kevin O’Halloran shoot wide once more. Wicklow made two changes at the break in the hope of pulling the game level and in their favour. The introduction of Ben Fleming brought fresh hopes as he has bagged plenty of goals from the bench this campaign. Coolboy had a great chance to double their advantage in the 54th minute but Callum Vickers confidently came out off his line to narrow the angle and stop Rian Daunt Smyth’s shot. The rest of the game followed the same pattern that was in place at the end of the first half with Rovers enjoying large amounts of the ball. Despite this Coolboy nicked a second goal up the other end in the 62nd minute when Adam Barnes coolly slotted the ball into the Rovers net to make it 0-2. Coolboy always looked dangerous in attack and the hosts got caught out over committing going forward in search of the equaliser. Wicklow then had a great opportunity. A massive cluster of players in the penalty area lead to a scrappy scramble in the box with Colin O’Toole and substitutes Ben Fleming and Oisin Breen having chances to turn the ball in, the latter of the attempts was deflected wide.Andrew Earls swung the corner that followed into the box, centre back Brian O’Sullivan headed in the direction of Kevin O’Halloran who blasted the knock down over the bar. Time was running out for the green and white’s, in the 78th minute Andrew Earls forced Keane into his first save of the half with a low and hard drive. Once again the shot was parried and nobody was home to stick the ball in the net. Plenty of injury time was added due to numerous stoppages throughout the half. In the fourth minute of added time Rovers were awarded a penalty when the ball struck the hand of a Coolboy defender. Kevin O’Halloran stepped up to take the spot kick, smashing the ball underneath the keeper and into the back of the net. This was the very last kick of the game, it was too little too late for Wicklow. Rovers had lots of possession and if they could of created just a few more clear cut chances they may have scored earlier on. Coolboy showed what they were made of going forward, attacking with lots of pace.Top Form: Colin O’Toole (Wicklow Rovers): Despite being on the losing side, the Rovers front man never stopped running and never gave up. If he was deployed a bit more he could of done damage.

In what was a game of two halves, Bray outfit, Shamrock Bhoys got off to a flying start in intermediate football with a solid victory over county rivals, Wicklow Rovers A. The game marked the beginning of new chapters for both sides. Shamrocks were playing their first game at intermediate level, while Rovers were getting used to life under new gaffers, Pat Ffrench and James Macklin.Wicklow, who were known as the draw kings in the division last term, recording 10 ties throughout the campaign, were looking to kick start their season with a win but they struggled to find any rhythm in the first period and their Bray counterparts took full advantage of this, grabbing the opening half by the scruff of the neck.Shamrock Bhoys got off to a picture perfect start, netting twice in the opening quarter of the encounter. In the tenth minute, Jack Douglas was set through on goal, Douglas managed to avoid the challenge of Rovers custodian Arthur Delahunt to tap into an empty net.Four minutes later, the Bhoys, who were playing more like men, doubled their tally. Skipper, Graham McCormick took advantage of a Ricky Quinn slip by shooting across Delahunt to put his side two strikes to the good.Shamrocks were in firm control at this point of the game, they were physiclally demanding and looked dangerous every time they went forward. Rovers were really struggling to put something productive together.Wicklow finally created their first chance of the game in the lead up to the break. Stephen Earls met an Ian Brannigan corner in the air at the front post, with the effort going just narrowly wide. Another opportunity followed in the 42 nd minute when Chris Burgess impressively turned the Bhoys defender, only to fire his shot straight into the grasp of Shane Gallagher.Shamrock Bhoys could not have asked for a better start to life in intermediate football, everything was clicking into place for them, they were dictating the game. Rovers went into the interval knowing changes had to be made. Chris Burgess looked isolated up top on his own, which led to Luke Byrne being pushed further up the pitch. This decision reaped short term rewards, as Wicklow looked livelier in the second period, scoring a goal and giving it a right go. Clear cut chances were few and far between in the first 20 minutes of the half but the possession stats were in favour of Rovers this time out. In the 67 th minute Stephen Earls let fly from range, forcing Shane Gallagher to get down low to parry, unfortunately for the greens nobody was following in and the ball was cleared away from danger.Wicklow Rovers were proving a real nuisance for the home side in the second half, they were constantly probing but ultimately having little luck in front of goal. This all changed in the 71 st minute. Luke Byrne was proving tricky to deal with for the Shamrock protectors, which lead to Byrne being tripped inside the penalty area to win his side a penalty. Chris Burgess took the spot kick, firing low, under Gallagher into the bottom left corner to add a bit of spice to the climax of the game.Wicklow pushed on hard to the end for an equaliser but luck just wasn’t on their side. Substitute Sean Knowd, who looked lively when he came on, had to be substituted following a painful clash while going for the ball. Luke Byrne was also on the receiving end of a sore knock and was left limping for the final ten minutes of the match.Shamrock Bhoys killed off any chance of a Rovers renaissance two minutes from time. Karl Peacock squared the ball to Darren McAteer in the box, the Shamrock number 7 coolly slotted the ball past Arthur Delahunt to wrap up his sides first ever 3 points in the big leagues of Leinster. In the end Wicklow fell just short of a spectacular comeback but Shamrock Bhoys punished them for a slack first half display and will go home feeling they deserved to be the winners of the county Wicklow derby. A special night for Shamrock Bhoys inside "The Field of Dreams" that is known as the Carlisle Grounds.

They left it very late but in the end Wicklow Rovers A managed to rectify their opening game defeat to local rivals, Shamrock Bhoys with a solid three points versus Ballymun United. Ballymun were playing their first ever game in the Leinster Senior League, following their switch from the AUL League, where they were regarded as one of the strongest sides in the league.Once again it was a game of two halves for the home side. In the first period Rovers came out all guns blazing and took a two goal lead to show for it, but a not so convincing display following the interval allowed the Dublin side to fight back and make it a very nerve wrecking affair for Wicklow.The home side were the livelier of the two in the opening stages, having a lot of possession and passing the ball around well. In the 11 th minute, Rovers were awarded for their dominance with the inaugural goal of the tie. A low and powerful Chris Burgess free kick snuck under the Ballymun defensive wall to find its way into the bottom left corner of the net. The shot took a deflection off a defender on its path in but Burgess will make a strong to claim to what will be his second goal in as many games.Five minutes later the boys in green doubled their advantage. Luke Byrne played a ball over the top to Chris Burgess, with Burgess taking the ball under control to coolly slot past David Conroy to put Wicklow two goals to the good. Rovers were showing form that emulated their second half performance against Shamrock Bhoys during the week, they were not giving the visitors any time to settle on the ball and were attacking at the Dublin side with real menace, reaping the awards in the process.However, in the 29 th minute, the away side were handed a lifeline. A push in the back lead to United being awarded a penalty. David Kane scored the kick that followed, sending Arthur Delahunt the wrong way and making things very interesting from here on. Wicklow made in into the break with their lead intact but United were hot on their heals and looked to have had a spring in their step since scoring the spot kick. Rovers knew seeing it out would be a difficult task.Ballymun were the brighter looking side in the second period, they were going all out for an equaliser and possibly a win if they could convert their chances. Early on in the half Kurtis Brady nearly had the leveller for the blues but Arthur Delahunt was equal to his effort, pulling off a full stretch diving save. At this point the home side were on edge, it was an ideal time for the experienced players to step up to the plate and lead like example by aiding the younger players through to the final whistle. Wicklow were clinging on for dear life as Ballymun were coming at them, looking to spoil their day. The greens finally lost their grip on the lead eight minutes before time as Ballymun levelled the scoring. A long ball over the top from the back found David Kane, Kane earned his brace by firing the ball into the bottom corner, giving Arthur Delahunt no chance of saving. All of Wicklow’s hard work in the first half was temporarily undone and with eight minutes to go, if either side was to earn the three points, the Dublin side were in the driver’s seat to do so.However to their credit, Rovers did not deflate and feel sorry for themselves and in the second minute of stoppage time, they grabbed the all important winning goal.Ian Brannigan swung a free kick out to the back post, Luke Byrne headed the ball back into the middle of the six yard box where substitute, Daryl Sullivan was present to nod in to sink Ballymun and rejuvenate the hard work put in by Wicklow Rovers early on in the encounter. Rovers escaped with the win and maximum points and with their impressive attacking football early on, they would have been kicking themselves if they left with anything less.Wicklow made amends for their opening day defeat with victory here, but they will still feel there is work to be done, as they are yet to fully click and put in that perfect performance as of yet. In the first two matches it has been like watching two totally different teams in the separate halves. A game is won over 90 minutes, not 45.Top Form: Mark "Wally" Johnson (Wicklow Rovers A) Johnson added another dimension to the Rovers midfield in his first game back from injury, putting in a solid shift and looking like causing the opposition trouble while on the ball.

In what was a David versus Goliath clash in the Metropolitan Cup, ten man Wicklow Rovers A managed to battle their way to victory against higher league opposition in Dublin Bus FC. Dublin Bus ply their trade in the Senior Division 1 Sunday league, where as Rovers play in the Senior Division 1B Sunday League, two divisions below their Dublin counterparts.Wicklow were coming into the tie off the back of a 7-0 loss to Lucan United and although their squad was depleted in numbers on the day, there would have been mixed emotions by the Wicklow faithful coming into this high profile cup match.The away side had the better of the early opportunities in the game. In the 16th minute, Geoff Doyle swung a free kick into the box, Luke Fitzpatrick met the ball in the air with his head, heading over Rovers goalkeeper, Arthur Delahunt and over the bar. Seconds later, Michael Griffin played a ball into Garret Kenna with Kenna’s header forcing Delahunt into a good save.Bus were creating the chances to take the lead early on but it was Rovers who drew first blood in the 19th minute. Gareth Murphy let fly with a speculate effort from 20 yards out, custodian, Stephen Kavanagh got a hand to the ball but Murphy’s effort proved too powerful to stop and the ball nestled into the top left corner of the net. Dublin Bus saw the majority of the ball for the remainder of the half, following the goal but Wicklow stood relatively tall at the back and prevented the Dub’s from creating too many clear cut chances, making it into the break with the goal advantage intact in the process.Five minutes after the restart, Dublin Bus managed to snatch an equaliser from absolutely nothing. Aaron O’Sullivan attempted to play a back pass to his goalkeeper, the ball did not reach Arthur Delahunt and Michael Griffin was present to sneak in and score for his side. It was an unlucky way for the home side to concede as they had done well to keep the higher ranked opposition at bay to that point.Things went from bad to worse for Rovers on the hour mark as Dublin Bus were awarded a penalty for a handball in the box, although it appeared to be more of a ball to hand incident. Wicklow felt hard done by this decision but Arthur Delahunt saved the day by getting down low to his left to parry the spot kick away and keep the sides on level terms. The rocky second period of Wicklow Rovers continued five minutes later as they were reduced to ten men. Mark Johnson who was already on a booking, committed a foul on the last man resulting in his second yellow card and a sending off for the midfield man. Many would think this would put the home side at a massive disadvantage, especially against a team two leagues above them but somehow, someway the red card incident rallied Rovers on and the greens finished the game off strongly, going forward with plenty of menace and purpose and were unlucky not to win it in regulation time.A Stephen Earls free kick was met by the head of Sean Duffy, the home crowd were already celebrating the winner but it turned out that Dublin Bus keeper, Stephen Kavanagh had pulled off an exceptional save to tip the ball over the bar and deny Wicklow the win in normal time.In the end we were brought to extra time and this is were the fitness levels of both sides really came into play. Despite being the lower league side, Wicklow Rovers proved to be the fitter side as they went on to score two goals in two minutes on a very tired looking Bus side in the second period of extra time. A Bus defender played the ball back to Stephen Kavanagh, Luke Byrne pressed on the keeper, putting him under a severe amount of pressure and dispossessing him, Byrne unselfishly squared the ball to Gareth Murphy who tapped into an empty goal to net his brace and spark celebrations amongst the home supporters.A minute later, Gareth Murphy earned an assist for himself when he played a through ball to substitute, Mark O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan ran from the halfway line with the ball and coolly slotted past Kavanagh to put the end result beyond any doubt.Wicklow Rovers put in a solid performance to cause a shock in the cup and to prove that last week’s score line was indeed a freak one. Dublin Bus were unable to follow up on their 3-0 win over fellow county Wicklow side, Arklow Town, crashing out of the Metropolitan Cup in the process.Top Form: Arthur Delahunt (Wicklow Rovers A): Wicklow looked promising going forward at times but custodian, Arthur Delahunt was nothing less than superb on the day, making numerous top class saves, as well as providing justice for his side when it came to the whole penalty saga.

In a rather one sided affair, Wicklow Rovers will feel they’ve dropped two points as opposed to gaining a point, as they welcomed North Dublin side, Skerries Town to Whitegates. Rovers exposed the Skerries defence on multiple occasions throughout the 90 minutes of play, creating tons of chances but the end product in the final third was a major let down on the day, especially in the second period. Wicklow’s league form of late has been on the up, the Green’s have taken 6-2 and 5-0 score lines from Garda FC and Rathcoole Boys respectively in recent weeks, whilst their Dublin opponents sit third from bottom of the table without a solitary victory to their name. Rovers hit the ground running, taking the lead in the fourth minute. Gareth Murphy squared the ball to Sean Duffy following a run on the right wing, Duffy struck the ball first time with venom, riffling the back of the net in the process. An ideal start for a Rovers side who will be looking to make a surge up the league standings. However, the away side levelled the scoring on the 18th minute mark. A Paul O’Carrol corner was met at the back post by the rising Gavin O’Flaherty. O’Flaherty’s header had power and accuracy, finding its way past Arthur Delahunt and into the top corner. Ten minutes later, Skerries were ahead against the run of play. In a rare piece of offence for the away side, sloppy Rovers defending lead to the ball falling to Barry Davy at the edge of the area. Davy had acres of space, Delahunt was left stranded after some miscommunication with his defenders resulting in Davy lifting the ball over the custodian to rattle Wicklow’s cage. Skerries made it into the break two goals to one ahead and for all the play they had Wicklow would have felt very hard done by from that outcome. Rovers got at the Town defence from the word go in the second period. In the first play of the half, a Luke Byrne corner was met on the head by Chris Burgess, with the headed attempt just going a matter of inches over the bar. In the 54th minute Luke Byrne and Chris Burgess were centre stage again as the duo played starring roles in bringing their side back level. Byrne and Burgess played an impressive one two with one another, Burgess toe poked the ball in the hope of beating the keeper but David Reardon pulled off a solid stop but luck wasn’t quite on his side, as his save ricocheted onto the head of Burgess and into the net. Chris Burgess was the luckiest man in Wicklow at the time, he may as well have won the lotto. Wicklow kicked on from this point onwards in the hope of a scoring a third and attaining three points. In the 63rd minute, a crossfield ball by Stepehen Earls found Chris Burgess, who’s shot was well saved by Reardon. Two minutes later, Burgess was front and centre again. The striker did all the hard work to chest the ball down and round the goalkeeper, only to have his tap in goal questionably ruled out for a handball. Wicklow continued to press for the remainer of the tie, they were trying every trick in the book but they just could not find a way past David Reardon. Skerries managed to form the odd attack but they never gave Rovers any food for thought while they were attempting to create opportunities for themselves and the hosts dealt with anything Town threw at them with relative ease. The boys in blue had one last throw of the dice in the dying seconds of stoppage time. Luke Byrne’s cross field ball was well taken down by Gareth Murphy, Murphy played a nicely weighted through ball to Mark O’Sullivan with the substitute firing agonisingly wide of the post. Wicklow Rovers remain in mid-table purgatory following the draw and will be disappointed not to have taken all three points from a game they had full grip on. The point fails to better Skerries Town position, they remain in 12th place. Top Form: Sean Duffy (Wicklow Rovers A) Duffy showed a lot of energy in the middle of the park for Wicklow. Referee: Derrick Reale Venue: Whitegates SQUADS: Wicklow Rovers A; 1. Arthur Delahunt, 2. Stephen Earls, 3. Ian Brannigan, 4. David Rowan, 5. Mark Delaney, 6. Sean Duffy, 7. Tom Smullen, 8. Peter Finnegan, 9. Gareth Murphy, 10. Chris Burgess, 11. Luke Byrne, SUBS; 12. Mark O’Sullivan (for Smullen, 58 mins), 13. Sean Tobin, 14. Sean Vickers, 15. Gary Browne Skerries Town; 1. David Reardon, 2. David Arthur, 3. Ben Hunter, 4. Gavin O’Flaherty, 5. Stephen Hogan, 6. Barry Davy, 7. Paul O’Carrol, 8. Robbie Armstrong, 9. Kevin Farrell, 10. James Maguire, 11. Chris Toye, SUBS; 12. Barry Martin, 13. Daire Lee, 14. Cormac Grimes, 15. Mark McBride, 16. Bruce Nojatang, 17. Karl Healy

The Metropolitan Cup ship of Wicklow Rovers A finally sunk on Sunday last, as the Garden County’s boys in green bowed out of the competition at the hands of Leinster Senior League giants, Tolka Rovers. Wicklow were well used to playing starring roles in David versus Goliath cup clashes. In the first round of this very competition Rovers managed to dump out a Dublin Bus FC side, two divisions higher than themselves in a rather emphatic 3-1 home victory, but Tolka proved to be a totally different calibre of opposition. Tolka are arguably one of the strongest opposition Leinster has to offer at the present time. The Dublin side are currently sitting just off the summit of the Senior Division Sunday table, the highest Intermediate league. The Dublin Rovers are also the defending champions of the Metropolitan Cup, having won the gold last season. On paper Wicklow’s work looked cut out for them, but no game is ever played on paper. The early stages of the game were cagey from both sides, with little chances of note. Both sides were trying to get the feel of how good their counterparts were. In the 19th minute, Tolka’s Rory O’Connor earned the first chance of the game when he buried his shot just wide of the post. Wicklow’s defence were proving to be very stubborn in the first period and were standing up to whatever Tolka had to throw at them. However, the greens resistance was finally broken in the 31 st minute of play. Lee Dixon’s free kick found its way into the left hand corner of the net. At this stage the bookmakers would have been taking bets for Tolka to go on rampage and destroy Wicklow. This did not happen and four minutes later Wicklow Rovers were level. Luke Byrne skipped past two opponents and whipped the ball into the penalty area. Gareth Murphy was able to slide in and get on the end of Byrne’s cross to convert the ball past Morgan Crawley and give the visitors some food for thought. Although Wicklow were in delight over their equaliser, Tolka appeared quite angry, as in their opinion a home equaliser was not on the script. The Dubs took out their anger on Wicklow custodian, Arthur Delahunt. Delahunt was called into action three times in the lead up to the interval and each time he was well alert, pulling off a string of fine saves in the process. Wicklow managed to get into the break at half time on level terms, they were well and truly holding their own against the tournament favourites. However, in the second period, Tolka’s strength in depth was there for everyone to see. In the 49th minute, Tolka got their noses back in front. Rory O’Connor broke through on goal and was able to successfully dink the ball over the advancing, Arthur Delahunt to make it 2-1 to the visitors. Wicklow refused to drop the heads and continued to work hard in an attempt to pull the game back to level terms once again. In the 66th minute, goal scorer Gareth Murphy’s powerful effort was deflected just wide of the upright. With a quarter of an hour remaining, Gareth Murphy was involved again. Murphy’s cross found Sean Tobin in the box. Tobin’s bundled attempt flew agonisingly wide of the post. The belief in the Wicklow camp was there, Tolka had not looked like scoring again for some time and the boys in green were edging closer to another leveller. Wicklow were at this stage of the game creating all the chances pushing the visitors back into their own half.In the 80th minute, the ever dangerous Gareth Murphy went on a solo run, skipping past two defenders. Every spectator in the ground must have felt this was finally Wicklow’s time but Morgan Crawley had other ideas, pulling off a shrewd save to deny the hosts once more. The very next minute saw the game turned completely onto its head. Just as Wicklow were pumping up the pressure, Tolka were awarded a penalty up the other end. Front man Rory O’Connor earned his brace, firing his spot kick straight past Delahunt to sink Wicklow. Things went from bad to worse for the home side in injury time. Marc Hughes slid in at the back post to put the ball into the path of Wayne Byrne, with Byrne slotting home to make it four for Tolka. Wicklow Rovers A put in a valiant effort but in the end it just wasn’t to be for the County Wicklow side. Tolka’s ability to score goals out of absolutely nothing proved to be the major contrast between the two teams in this intriguing cup clash. Tolka Rovers remain well on course to defend their crown. Top Form: Gareth Murphy (Wicklow Rovers A) Murphy gave Tolka plenty of headaches throughout the tie. Referee: Tony Redmond Venue: Whitegates SQUADS: Wicklow Rovers A: 1. Arthur Delahunt, 2. Mark O’Sullivan, 3. Ian Brannigan, 4. Ricky Quinn, 5. Mark Delaney, 6. Sean Duffy, 7. Sean Tobin, 8. Peter Finnegan, 9. Gareth Murphy, 10. Chris Burgess, 11. Luke Byrne, SUBS; 12. Sean Knowd, 13. Sean Vickers, 14. Greg Dunne, 15. Ciaran McGettigan Tolka Rovers: 1. Morgan Crawley, 2. Eamon Moylan, 3. Niall O’Reilly, 4. Wayne Byrne, 5. Alan McDermott, 6. Mark O’Neill, 7. Marc Hughes, 8. Owen Humphrey, 9. Mark Townley, 10. Rory O’Connor, 11. Lee Dixon, SUBS; 12. Raymond Whelan, 13. Dennis Moran, 14. Jordan O’Connor, 15. Stephen Doran, 16. Noel Murray, 17. Adam Crowther, 18. Paul Tancred Date: 13/9/14Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 2.30 pm

Wicklow Rovers B continued their solid start to the season on Saturday with a closely fought 3-2 victory over local rivals, Greystones United B. Rovers came into the encounter sitting in third place with two wins, a draw and a defeat to their name, while Greystones were hot on their heels being positioned in fourth, the bare point behind having played a game less.

It had the makings of a tough clash for Wicklow as they were without the vastly experienced trio of Mark Delaney, Paul Alexander and Brian Harrington, as well as Stones being able to boast a victory on Rovers turf the last time the two sides met in league action.The home side got off to a cracker of a start and were ahead after eight minutes. Maurice Dunne forced Gavin McGee into a good save from a powerful effort but McGee was only able to parry the ball into the path of Cormac Byrne, Byrne pulled the ball back to Jim Foley who coolly slotted past McGee to give the hosts the advantage early on.Following the goal, Greystones were able to muster together a good spell of play. In the space of four minutes, Ben Whyte, Barry O’Donnell and Ian Cosgrove all had opportunities to level the scoring for the green and white’s but were unable to take their chances.Seven minutes before the break, Stones were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal as Rovers bagged a second. A passage of play involving Ciaran McGettigan and Kevin Coady concluded with Maurice Dunne lobbing McGee to send the hosts into the break two goals to the good.However all of Wicklow’s hard work in the first period was rapidly undone, with two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half bringing Greystones back to level terms.In the 47 th minute, Ben Whyte slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net, letting Rovers know they weren’t in for an easy second half. Three minutes later, a stunning 20 yard strike from substitute, Conor Brandon was enough to make it two goals a piece and game on.The old cliché says, you are always most vulnerable when you’ve just scored a goal and this statement was very true for Greystones as it only took Wicklow a minute to get back in front.Ciaran McGettigan got past the last man with an impressive flick and from that point on the end result was inevitable, last season’s top scorer confidently struck the ball past Gavin McGee to breath a sigh of relief for his side.Greystones pushed for another equaliser for the remainder of the tie but their attempts proved rather unsuccessful as they were unable to bolster many clear cut chances. Greg Dunne was the stand in centre half for the day and he managed to marshal his back four to the final whistle without any upsets occurring.The result sees both sides remaining in their respective positions from before play but Wicklow Rovers now have more breathing space from their local rivals. Wicklow’s quest for the title continues, they are now eight points behind Clondalkin Celtic with a game in hand and three points behind Drumcondra FC with the same amount played. It will be a tough task but with the strength and mass depth in the Rovers camp being an impressive mixture of youth and experience, nothing is impossible. Top Form: Ciaran McGettigan (Wicklow Rovers B) The Rovers front man ran himself into the ground from start to finish and always looked a threat.

There were no fairytale stories to be told in Whitegates on Saturday last. In what was a David versus Goliath cup tie, Major Division Saturday side, Bluebell United dumped Wicklow Rovers out of the Noel Ryan Cup at the last 16 stage.Bluebell sit on the summit of the Major Division Saturday League, three whole divisions above the Wicklow Rovers team. The Dubliners travelled down the M5O to Wicklow as clear cut favourites to advance to the quarter finals. However, Rovers came into the game with confidence. The boys in green had previously eliminated higher league opposition in Glenville FC earlier in the competition.Despite the feeling of optimism in the air, Rovers got off to the worst possible start. A long ball from the back led to the Bluebell United front man lobbing the stranded Gary Browne in the Wicklow Rovers net. Many punters would have been expecting United to run riot from here, banging numerous goals past Wicklow in the process.However, in the tenth minute, Rovers had a trick up their sleeves as they grabbed an equaliser. A Ricki Quinn free kick found Mark Delaney in the box. Delaney powerfully connected with the ball on the half volley, giving the Bluebell custodian virtually no chance of stopping the effort.For much of the remainder of the first half, the possession statistics would be evenly split with much of the ball being in central areas of the pitch.In the 38th minute, United took the lead for a second occasion. The Dub’s number nine rose the highest to head home from an in swinging corner kick. Bluebell, the bookies clear favourites, would have been fully expected to fend off Rovers from this point onwards, but again, this did not happen. Wicklow, once again, had a response.One minute later, Rovers levelled the score line for a second time. Mark Delaney used his head to nod the ball to the feet of Maurice Dunne. Dunne spotted the keeper off his line and went for the lob. Wicklow’s top scorer was bang on target as he successfully lifted the ball over the custodian’s head from 25 yards out.The home side reached the interval on level terms with their higher ranked opposition.However, on the hour mark, it was third time lucky for Bluebell. United completed their hat-trick of strikes when their number 9 slotted home the very first opportunity of the second period. The goal was met by protests from the home faithful, who firmly believed that the away forward was in an offside position when he scored what would turn out to be the winning strike.Six minutes later, Rovers would see their best chance to equalise for a third time flash before their eyes. Maurice Dunne was forced out wide by the opposing defender. Dunne saw no other options available and decided to let fly from the tight angle. Unfortunately for Wicklow, Dunne’s attempt found the side netting and the hosts remained in the back seat.Wicklow Rovers can afford to hold their heads up high in defeat. The Garden County side gave a great account of themselves against one of the finest Saturday teams the Leinster Senior League has to offer.Silverware is not yet an impossibility for Rovers this season. The boys in green have a home tie against St John Bosco in the last 16 of the Tom Carroll Cup to look forward to in the coming weeks. Wicklow are also still firmly in the hunt to earn promotion from the Major Division 1B League. Though, it won’t be plain sailing, as Clondalkin Celtic, Swords Celtic, Verona FC and Drumcondra FC are all vying for top three spots alongside Wicklow.Top Form: Mark Delaney (Wicklow Rovers): Delaney capped off a hard working performance with his fifth goal in five consecutive games.Venue: Whitegates, Wicklow TownReferee: Robert RedmondSQUAD:Wicklow Rovers: 1. Gary Browne, 2. Kevin Coady, 3. Darren Kavanagh, 4. Paul Alexander, 5. David Rowan, 6. Ricky Quinn, 7. Conor Tobin, 8. Brian Harrington, 16. Liam Kavanagh, 10. Maurice Dunne, 11. Mark Delaney, SUBS; 12. Jim Foley (for Harrington, 60 mins), 13. Ciaran McGettigan (for Tobin, 76 mins), 14. Nino Hughes, 15. Cormac Byrne (for Coady, 85 mins)

Wicklow Rovers Saturday side advanced to the last four of the Tom Carroll Cup following a 2-0 win over Major Division 1C’s Valeview Shankill.With the league title and promotion out of reach, the boys in green came into the tie knowing that the Carroll Cup was their last chance of salvaging a piece of silverware for the 2014/15 season.In the first period, Rovers emphasised the fact that they were the higher league side, dominating the majority of play and showing dictation when it came to setting the pace of the game. With 12 minutes on the clock, Wicklow reaped the rewards for their early chances as Ciaran McGettigan was on target.However, the second half had more of an end to end pattern to it. The Vale played their way into the game, spurning a few wonderful opportunities to level proceedings. Rovers kept on the attack and with five minutes remaining, Maurice Dunne fired his side into the semis with the second goal.In the opening minutes of the encounter, the two Dunne’s, Maurice and Jonathan both had chances to open the scoring.In the fourth minute, Jonathan was the provider as he played a cross into the box to Maurice. Dunne caught the ball on the volley, but was unable to steer the effort past custodian, Ross Cannon.Five minutes later, a move involving Greg Dunne and Ciaran McGettigan concluded with Jonathan Dunne firing narrowly wide of the post.In the 12th minute, it was third time lucky for Rovers. Maurice Dunne found Ciaran McGettigan with a through ball. McGettigan hammered the ball past Cannon, into the bottom left corner.The Wicklow Rovers side who defeated Valeview Shankill to advance to the semi finals of the Tom Carroll Cup.Wicklow were dictating the pace of the game at this point. In the 27th minute, it was very nearly two for Rovers. Ross Cannon got down well to parry a long range effort by Maurice Dunne. Jonathan Dunne followed in on the effort, looking dead certain to score. However, Cannon again, was the hero for the home side as he quickly got back on his feet to complete a double save.Moving into the second period, Dunne was in on the action again. The striker concluded a run stemming from the halfway line by rattling the woodwork with a ferocious strike.Valeview began to play their way into the encounter, earning a flurry of chances in a ten minute time span. Kevin Moore, Ian Walsh and Dean Kelly all struck inches wide for the hosts.With time ticking away, Shankill were pressing high up the pitch in the hope of dragging the tie back to level terms. This would be the rock the home side would eventually perish on, as Rovers would catch them out on the break.In the 85th minute, Jim Foley gave Maurice Dunne a run down the right flank. Dunne, being put under pressure by Luke Roe, coolly slotted the ball into the bottom left hand corner.It was a job well done for Wicklow who will feel thoroughly deserving in victory. The green and whites controlled the first period and answered any questions asked of them in the second.It has not yet been announced who the garden county side will take on in the semi final, though Killester United, Leicester Celtic, Kilinarden Athletic and Pegasus/St James Athletic all remain in the mix for cup glory.Top Form: Paul Alexander (Wicklow Rovers) The centre half was solid from start to finish and was particularly dominant in the air.Referee: Owen MurphySQUADS:Valeview Shankill: 1. Ross Cannon, 2. Andy Stansell, 3. David Nolan, 4. Luke Roe, 5. Declan Murphy, 6. Eddie O’Toole, 7. Alan Moore, 8. Kevin Moore, 9. Ben McShane, 10. Ian Walsh, 11. Dean Kelly, SUBS; 12. Wayne O’Callaghan (for O’Toole, 63 mins), 13. Jamie O’Connor (for McShane, 56 mins), 14. Alan Turner (for Nolan, 86 mins)Wicklow Rovers: 1. Gary Browne, 2. Kevin Coady, 3. Darren Kavanagh, 4. Paul Alexander, 5. David Rowan, 6. Greg Dunne, 7. Jim Foley, 8. Brian Harrington, 9. Jonathan Dunne, 10. Maurice Dunne, 11. Ciaran McGettigan, SUBS; 12. Liam Kavanagh (for Harrington, half time), 13. Cormac Byrne (for McGettigan, 87 mins)

Tom Carroll Cup final

Wicklow Rovers vs Leicester Celtic

By James Nolan

In what has been a hotly anticipated fixture in Wicklow Town for a number of weeks, Wicklow Rovers Major Division 1B Saturday sides long Tom Carroll Cup journey ended in heartbreak at the hands of a resilient Leicester Celtic.As the higher ranked team, Rovers came into the game as the slight favourites and the tag was justified throughout normal time. While the first period was a cagey affair with little or nothing going either sides way, Wicklow had a number of opportunities to see of Celtic in the second half.A hat-trick of chances earned by Liam Kavanagh, Ciaran McGettigan and Mark Delaney could have put the game to bed, but the post and custodian, Mark Lew denied Rovers on these occasions. Extra time came and the wear and tear was on display.The greatest opportunity of the 110 minutes arrived in what turned out to be the final act of play. Rovers were awarded a penalty when Shane Flynn slid in, handling the ball in his penalty area. Rovers leading goal scorer and skipper, Maurice Dunne stepped up and much to the shock of everyone in the ground, fired wide of the post, bringing us to the dreaded penalty shoot out.Leicester, who had been victorious in penalty shoot outs in every round since the last 16, would quite literally experience the better luck on penalties to win the Tom Carroll Cup.In what looked to be used as a feeling out period, the first half produced few chances. In the 8th minute, Celtic carved out the opening effort following a good piece of play. David Miley gave John Halligan a run down the right flank. Rovers keeper, Gary Browne came entered no man’s land in the hope of getting rid of any danger. However, Halligan squared to Chris Sutton, who only had to place the ball into an empty net, at the edge of box. Sutton appeared to have a experienced a rush of blood to the head as he fired over the bar.Four minutes later, Wicklow nearly opened the scoring themselves. A bit of a scramble in the box lead to Liam Kavanagh storming in from the right wing only to fire over the woodwork.The next goal scoring attempt would not arrive until the 66th minute, and it was that man Kavanagh again. The youngster was proving not to be phased by the big occasion, let fly with a curling volley from approximately 25 yards out. The effort look destined for the top corner as Kavanagh was all but celebrating a wonder goal. Though it wasn’t to be as Mark Lew’s post bailed Leicester out.Wicklow were enjoying a large portion of possession inside the Leicester half. They were pressing and when it cam to opening the scoring, many would have been thinking it would be sooner rather than later.In the 79th minute, Mark Delaney launched a long free kick over the Celtic defenders. The ball fell beautifully for Ciaran McGettigan who had time on the ball and only Mark Lew to beat. McGettigan’s attempt to tuck the ball nealty into the far bottom corner resulted in an off target attempt.Four minutes from time, it was very nearly third time lucky in the second period for the boys in green. Liam Kavanagh whipped a free kick in from the right. Mark Delaney got on the end of the delivery, connecting with a decent strike of the ball. What looked to be a dead certain winner was prevented by the heroics of Lew who got down quickly to parry the shot away.This in turn took us to extra time. Rovers had the better of the chances in normal time, but they could not find the combination to unlock the Celtic back four.The tiredness of both teams was clearly on show in extra time as the two sides began to cancel each other out. Both made limp attempts to get forward but to no avail.However, in the dying seconds of extra time Rovers were awarded a penalty when Shane Flynn handled the ball in the box. Everyone present in Stradbrook firmly believed that this was the moment Rovers would finally clinch their first Tom Carroll Cup since 1999.Maurice Dunne was the one to square up to Mark Lew from the spot. Dunne decided to go for placement rather than power with his kick, The skipper was aiming to tuck the ball into the bottom right hand corner, but the shot went wide of the post. Within seconds of the ball going wide, the final whistle sounded to take us to the universally dreaded penalty shoot out. The entire ground was in a state of disbelief.Like in ordinary time, the two sides could not be separated at first in spot kicks. Both sides failed to convert their respective opening kicks, while the two tucked away their second. The tide once again turned in Rovers favour as Gary Browne saved Leicester’s third, while Wicklow converted theirs.Man of the match, Mark Delaney stepped up to take the fifth and deciding penalty. Delaney went for power, smashing the crossbar and handing Leicester yet another lifeline in the process. Sudden death would continue until the eight set of kicks.Ciaran McGettigan stepped forward to take Wicklow’s eighth to keep them alive. It was Mark Lew who won the battle of wits as the custodian dived down to his left to save McGettigan’s effort and send his side and supporters into celebrations.Leicester Celtic keep their excellent run in successive penalty shoot outs alive to imprint their name on the Tom Carroll Cup trophy.Anto Doran, Jack Fitzpatrick and the Wicklow Rovers Saturday side proved to be unlucky not to claim a piece of silverware in their first real season together as a unit. They gave it everything going forward as they pressed with real menace. Leicester’s line of defence put their bodies on the line, throwing themselves in front of everything their Wicklow counterparts threw at them. The boys in green just couldn’t find away past Mark Lew on the night.Though at the end of the day, there is no doubt that Rovers will be back next year, ready to have a stab at it once more.

Top form: Mark Delaney (Wicklow Rovers) Leicester never looked like scoring with Delaney and Paul Alexander at the heart of the defence. He read the game with expertise and cleaned up anything threat that entered Rovers half.

Following a summer jam packed with rumours, the Wicklow League has finally managed to find a solution to provide the youths players of county Wicklow clubs with football for the coming season. Saturday afternoon saw a clash of the titans in the division as arguably the two favourites for the title in Wicklow Rovers and Aughrim Rangers came head to head at Whitegates. Unfortunately, last seasons treble winners at this age category, Coolboy Rangers, do not have a team in the league this campaign. This opens up a window of opportunity for Rovers and Rangers as the two came closest to putting out the fire on Coolboy’s reign of dominance last year but in the end fell ultimately short and finished runners up to the south Wicklow side once each. Both sides experienced mixed fortunes in their respective opening games. Rovers ran out 5-2 winners over neighbours Wicklow Town AFC at Finlay Park, while Aughrim crashed to a 4-3 defeat to Arklow United at Allen Park. Rangers were to be involved in another thriller this weekend and the first meaningful chance of the game resulted in a goal in the 13th minute and it was for the boys in green. Following a Kevin O’Halloran through ball, Colin O’Toole managed to get in behind the Aughrim backline to take advantage and slot home the opener. The following minute, partners in crime, O’Toole and O’Halloran were involved again. O’Halloran played through O’Toole again and the striker was fouled inside the penalty area, leaving Owen White with no choice but to award a spot kick to the home side. Brian Lynch bailed his side out, pulling off a terrific save to deny Kevin O’Halloran from the spot. However Wicklow did not let the penalty miss get them down. In the 20th minute, Brian O’Sullivan played a long ball up from the back over the heads of the Rangers defenders. This lead to a race for the ball between Colin O’Toole and the Aughrim centre backs, O’Toole used his pace to his advantage and the beat the Rangers protectors to the ball to powerfully fire in his and Wicklow’s brace. Wicklow were the quicker starters and were looking relatively comfortable and in their stride. However, in the 23rd minute Aughrim nicked a goal back. Sean Doyle, who looked suspiciously offside, latched on to a long ball. Doyle was as cool as a cucumber in front of goal, slotting into the bottom right corner to make it very much game on. The two continued to exchange blows for the next ten minutes or so with a few minor half opportunities. In the 33rd minute, Aughrim managed to hit Rovers with a killer right hook so to speak. Todd Byrne was the quickest to react to a breaking ball in the box and the midfielders end product did not disappoint as he sweetly struck past Callum Vickers to make it two apiece. At this point the game was that end to end it was like watching Rafael Nadal take on Rodger Federer at Wimbledon. Two minutes before the interval, Rovers managed to restore their advantage. Adam Browne took advantage of hesitation amongst the Aughrim back four to slam home to send his side into the break in good spirit. The first period was nothing less than a thriller. The long wait for the WDFL to produce a Youths league was proving to be well worth it as both sides were eager to put on a good display of attacking football. However in the second half things were a lot tighter in both back fours, resulting in fewer chances and ultimately less finishes. In the 58th minute, Hugh Humby came agonisingly close to giving Wicklow some daylight on their opponents. Humby’s well struck free kick look destined for goal but in the end rattled the woodwork, leaving the score line at 3-2. Ten minutes later we were back to square one as Rangers found the key to unlock the Wicklow Rovers line of defence. Sean Doyle fired in from eight yards to round up the goals in this six goal thriller. The game fizzled out from here and both sides saw out the remainder of the clash without conceding any further goals to share the spoils. Wicklow Rovers remain unbeaten with four points from their opening two encounters. Although they won’t be feel fully satisfied until they get that first three pointer on the board, Aughrim earned their first point of the campaign in style. Top Form: Colin O’Toole (Wicklow Rovers) Despite coming off injured in the 55th minute, the striker always looked a threat with his pace for the duration of the time he spent on the field of play.

Saturday last saw the John Tobin Youth League title race made that bit more interesting as Wicklow Rovers blew league leaders, Arklow United away by a seven goals to two scoreline. Goals by Cian Li and Cormac O’Shea were cancelled out by a fine trio of strikes from Alan Power, a brace from Mark Darragh and individual pickings for Kevin O’Halloran and Shane Devlin.On paper a close contest was promised as in the three previous meetings between the two sides this campaign produced two draws and one 2-1 win for United. However, games of football are not played on paper and the game turned out to be a one sided encounter in the second half, contrasting to the first period which was much tighter.It only took six minutes for the deadlock to be broken and it was in the away side’s favour. Cathal Kellegher flicked Cian Li through on goal. Li kept his composure to slot past Callum Vickers in the Rovers net. The goal was questioned by the home faithful as Li appeared to be just over a yard offside. Nonetheless, the goal stood.Rovers didn’t drop the heads and feel hard done by following the goal. The hosts began to pile some pressure on the away side, with Hugh Humby and Shane Devlin both having half chances to equalise.However, in the 17th minute, Rovers grabbed a leveller. Kevin O’Halloran played Alan Power clean through on goal. Similarly to Li’s goal in the sixth minute, Power appeared to be a matter of inches offside. This did not matter as Power rounded Jamie Hawthorns to tap into an empty net and level proceedings.With the teams back on level terms, once again Rovers were looking more likely to make something happen than their Arklow counterparts. Shane Devlin and Kevin O’Halloran both put respective efforts over the bar.In the 28th minute, Rovers took the lead. A Kevin O’Halloran throw found the feet of Alan Power. Power managed to find Shane Devlin with a ball into the penalty area. Devlin took his chance well, blasting the ball past Hawthorns to put his side in front.Five minutes later, Wicklow made it a hat-trick of first half strikes. The ever dangerous, Alan Power squared the ball to Mark Darragh who confidently stroked the ball into the corner.The action was now being played at a fast pace and just two minutes after Darragh’s goal, United pulled one back. Cormac O’Shea let fly with a speculate effort from 25 yards. O’Shea’s thunderbolt found its way into the top right hand corner of the net, giving Callum Vickers virtually no chance of saving.Arklow were firmly in the game again, but minutes before the break, the visitors were reduced to ten men. Goal scorer, Cian Li was shown red by referee, Seamus Byrne after he appeared to have pushed Wicklow midfielder, Hugh Humby. This proved to be the moment the game turned on its head. United struggled to get to grips with the game when they went a man down and from there on, Rovers became rampant.With United down to ten men, the second period turned out to be a one sided affair. Wicklow went on to add four further goals to their tally, sinking the ship of the league leaders in the process.The first of these four goals came in the 54th minute. Kevin O’Halloran managed to create some space for himself in the Arklow penalty area. O’Halloran drilled a low and hard shot across goal and into the bottom left corner of the net.In the 62nd minute, onlookers experienced the goal of the game and a possible goal of the season contender. Alan Power spotted Jamie Hawthorns off his line. Power, who was just in front of the centre circle connected to the halfway line, lobbed the ball over the stranded Hawthorns, wowing the spectators in attendance with what was a superb finish.Five minutes later, Power rounded off his treble. Power, who had been involved in four of the previous five goals to this point, saw his powerful shot from the edge of the box deflected in over Hawthorns head. Some will deem the goal to be an own goal, but there is no doubt about it, Alan Power will be making a strong claim for the match ball earning strike.Twelve minutes from time, Wicklow capped off a dominant second half performance. Arklow failed to fully clear their lines and the ball fell into the path of Mark Darragh. Darragh successfully tucked away his brace opportunity to cement a result that will make the rest of the league sit up and take notice of.Wicklow Rovers now sit in second place, three points behind Arklow United. However, the current holders of top spot occupy a game in hand on their closest title competitors. This result has changed the look of the youth league table, with Arklow now being forced to look over their shoulders at possible threats to their place on the table’s summit.Top Form: Alan Power (Wicklow Rovers): A hat-trick and two assists, there’s not really much debate about who receives the title of man of the match.Referee: Seamus ByrneVenue: Whitegates, Wicklow TownSQUADS:Wicklow Rovers: 1. Callum Vickers, 2. Joe Cummiskey, 3. Adam Browne, 4. Jamie Power, 5. Brian O’Sullivan, 16. Hugh Humby, 7. Kevin O’Halloran, 8. Mark Darragh, 9. Shane Devlin, 10. Alan Power, 11. Colin Synnott, SUBS; 12. Fionn Nother (for Synnott, 54 mins), 13. Angel Gomez (for Cummiskey, 60 mins), 14. Luke Purdy (for Devlin, 67 mins)Arklow United: 1. Jamie Hawthorns, 2. Ciaran Winters, 3. Kyle O’Connor, 4. Cormac O’Shea, 5. Conor Aherne, 6. Zach Kilbride, 7. Sean Mulligan, 8. Kajetan Dudek, 9. Cian Li, 10. Cathal Kellegher, 11. Ross McBride, SUBS; 12. Callum Small (for Mulligan, 36 minutes), 13. Gerald Hackett (for Aherne, 52 mins), 14. Michael O’Sullivan (for O’Connor, 52 mins)

Whitegates was the place to be on Sunday morning last as Wicklow Rovers under 14 girls advanced to the final of Carlton Hotels Cup final at the expense of Greystones. This cup is a provincial cup, involving teams from all around the province of Leinster. It is great for county Wicklow that two of its teams managed to reach the latter stages of the tournament and ultimately clash heads with each other. Rovers and United have been known to play out tight encounters with one another. Just a few weeks ago, Rovers narrowly beat Stones in a five goal thriller by three goals to two. However, this time around, matters were different. Two goals in each half were enough for Wicklow to see off United who never really got out of the traps in the tie. The first twenty minutes of the game were fairly cagey. Both sides enjoyed a 50-50 split of possession in each others halves, with no meaningful opportunities arising. However, in the 21st minute, the home side managed to edge into the lead. Grace Hurley latched onto a spurned goal kick by United custodian, Ciara McDonnell. Hurley smashed past McDonnell to put Rovers in front. Wicklow performed the old one two as they scored once again two minutes later. Sinead McGettigan played a ball down the wing to Niamh Caffrey. Caffrey spotted an opening in the United back four and played a through ball. The ball was perfectly weighted as Grace Hurley latched onto the pass. Once Hurley was clean through on goal, the end result was inevitable. The Rovers midfielder slotted past McDonnell to net her brace. At this point, Rovers were well in the drivers seat. Sinead McGettigan was bossing the midfield and Grace Hurley continued to be a threat with her lightning fast pace. Greystones needed a reply and it had to be a swift one. However, it was the home side who were quicker out of the traps in the second period. In the 44th minute, Sinead McGettigan went on a fantastic solo run from the halfway line. McGettigan wriggled past numerous United defenders to leave herself one on one with the keeper. Ciara McDonnell was the party spoiler as she saved McGettigan’s concluding shot well. Ten minutes later, United earned their first real chance of the game. Isabelle Brosnan’s shot from distance flew narrowly wide of the post. Unfortunately for Greystones, almost immediately following their first shot, Rovers ruthlessly went and scored up the opposite end of the pitch. Naoise O’Reilly did well to pick out Niamh Caffrey in the penalty area. Caffrey found herself with a clear path to goal with just the goalkeeper to beat. Custodian, McDonnell get a hand to Caffrey’s effort but the strike was just too powerful to keep out from such close range. Greystones to their credit, continued to battle on even after the further setback of the third goal. Aoife Brennan forced Rovers keeper, Amy Kavanagh into a fine diving stop. In the 63rd minute, Rovers wrapped up the game and the goal fest once and for all. Sinead McGettigan skinned two defenders and buried her shot across Ciara McDonnell and into the far right hand corner of the net. Wicklow Rovers girls advance to the final of the Carlton Hotel Cup where they will take on one of two big Dublin clubs, Home Farm FC or Mount Merrion. If Rovers play as well as they did against Greystones in the final, there is no doubt that they will give either of the Dublin teams a big run for their money. Top Form: Grace Hurley (Wicklow Rovers): There was never a moment where she wasn’t a threat to Greystones. Referee: Liam O’Brien Venue Whitegates SQUADS: Wicklow Rovers: 1. Amy Kavanagh, 2. Kelly Phelan, 3. Kiera Fagan, 4. Niamh McSorely, 5. Sarah Evans, 6. Eva Phelan, 7. Clodagh Irwin, 8. Sinead McGettigan, 9. Grace Hurley, 10. Lauren Gregory, 11. Niamh Caffrey, SUBS; 12. Lucy Dunne, 13. Naoise O’Reilly Greystones United: 1. Ciara McDonnell, 2. Sarah Lucy, 3. Jessica Barton, 4. Caoimhe Caffrey, 5. Naomi Brown, 6. Ciara Finn, 7. Hannah Molloy, 8. Sophia Bessington, 9. Isabelle Brosnan, 10. Ashling Merriman, 11. Aoife Brennan, SUB; 12. Megan Maguire

Date: 13/9/14Venue: Hockey Pitch

Under 8 Green DivisionWicklow Rovers Green 2 St Anthonys 2

Wicklow Rovers U8 Green team started their campaign with a hard fought 2 – 2 draw at home to St Anthony’s of Kilcoole. The visitors started the better with an early goal while Rovers took time to get to grips with their first proper fixture. Rovers went close a couple of times with shots from Stephen Kavanagh and Luke O’Meara superbly saved by the St. Anthony’s in form keeper. St. Anthony’s scored again on the 10 minute mark giving Rovers plenty to do to get back in to the match. But get back in they did when Conor Williams scored with 5 minutes of the first half remaining. Rovers grew in confidence from there on and went in to half time just a goal down. With the momentum swinging toward Rovers they started the second half with new belief. Good tackling and passing persisted throughout the second half from both teams but it was Rovers who grabbed that all important equaliser from a Conor Williams shot with about 10 minutes to go. Some strong defensive tackling from Deon Fielding and neat midfield play from Finn Dunne especially caught the eye. The game ebbed and flowed from there on in with Rovers have a number of chances to seal it late on. But St. Anthony’s held out and Rovers were happy to get their campaign off to a good start. This team has the makings of a good one and are sure to get their first win very shortly.

Date: 5/10/14Comp: LeagueVenue: Finn ParkKick Off: 10.00 am

Under 8 GreenSt Anthonys 1 Wicklow Rovers Green 5

Wicklow Rovers under 8 Green team were away to St Anthonys of Kilcoole on Sunday and came away with a great 5-1 win. Rovers started well with lots of pressure on the St Anthonys goal from the off. Joe Culleton finally made the break through on the 10 minute mark after some excellent work on the right wing by Finn Dunne. St. Anthonys grew more into the game from then on but with a rear guard of Conor Williams, Deon Fielding and Alfie Doyle, they found it difficult to penetrate the Rovers defence. But St Anthonys did draw level after a great shot from outside the box which gave the Rovers keeper no chance. Rovers continued to press with some good play from James Dunne and Killian Dunne (no relation) in the St Anthonys half. The half finished 1-1 with both teams playing some nice football. After a few changes Rovers started the second half with renewed vigour and seemed to kick in to a new gear. With their rear guard looking ever secure the midfield and forwards of Rovers ran with every move into the heart of the St Anthony’s defence. It wasn’t long before Steven Kavanagh raced down the right wing and put a fine finish away. Shortly after Johnny Bourne added to the tally while Joe Culleton forced an own goal off the keeper with a powerful shot. St Anthonys tried as best they could to get back in to it but with robust tackling from Rovers central midfielder Sonny McHale there was no way through. Sonny seemed to be everywhere during this match with some marvellous box to box runs. Rovers finally completed the win with another fine strike from Steven Kavanagh late on.

Date: 19/10/14Comp: LeagueVenue: Bridgewater ParkKick Off: 11.15 am

Under 8 GreenArklow Town Black 1 Wicklow Rovers Green 3

Wicklow Rovers Under 8 Green Team were away today to Arklow Town Black Team at 11.15am. Arklow Town got off to the better start while Rovers took some time to get used to their surroundings. Arklow Town opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a good shot from outside the box which left the keeper with no chance. But that seemed to be the spark that ignited Rovers into action. Rovers pushed forward for the rest of the half with some fine displays from Finn Dunne on the right of midfield. Rovers efforts were rewarded when they were granted a free kick on the edge of the Arklow Town box and Finn Dunne stepped up and converted into the right hand corner. Deon Fielding went off shortly afterwards with an injury and James Majewski replaced him in midfield. Before the half time whistle blew Rovers and Arklow traded many shots at each end. At the start of the second half Rovers looked like a team on a mission. Conor Williams, Steven Kavanagh and Finn Dunne started to take control of the midfield and linked extremely well with Luke O’Meara upfront. It wasn’t long before Steven Kavanagh made it 2 – 1 after some fabulous link up play. Try as they might Arklow Town could not penetrate past the Rovers defence as Sonny McHale, Alfie Doyle and Ciaran Walton stood firm. Then with 5 minutes to go another good move starting from the back developed with Steven Kavanagh getting through one on one with the keeper. Steven coolly dispatched the shot to the left of the net and Rovers got that all important third to make it 3-1. Rovers held out to the end and deservedly notched up their third win of the season.

Wicklow Rovers 8 Green team were away today to Newtown Juniors at 11.00am. Rovers had their full squad of 14 today so getting the right mix for each half was going to be tricky. But it looks like a nice bunch of players this year with each boy getting at least 20 minutes to shine. Rovers definitely started the better with wave after wave of attack for the first 10 minutes. Luke O’Meara and Senan O’Donovan combined well to set up the first goal for Senan to put it away on 2 minutes. Then four minutes later Rovers were in again when Sonny McHale converted from close range on 6 minutes. Finn Dunne continued to press down the right flank with some maizey runs and was rewarded for his endeavours on 9 minutes with a neat finish. 3 nil up and Rovers looked to be cruising but Newtown started to get in to their stride with some good runs coming from midfield which caused the defensive line of Ciaran Walton, Deon Fielding and Alfie Doyle some problems. Newtown were rewarded for their work rate when scoring on the 13 minute mark. But this was Rovers half and they were celebrating again on 15 minutes when Sonny McHale topped off an impressive first half when netting again. Half time score 4 – 1 to Rovers. 5 changes were made by Rovers at half time and both teams started with renewed hope of adding to their tally. Newtown made a few tactical changes to stop the attacking treat posed by Rovers and for the main it seemed to have worked. Johnny Bourne, Steven Kavanagh and Joe Culleton were finding it hard to break through the Newtown rear guard. At the other end Newtown continued to try and build from the back by breaking through midfield and they were rewarded when a blistering strike from their number 9 gave the Rovers keeper no chance. Newtown continued with this tactic through the half but thanks to some great defensive displays from Conor Williams, James Dunne and James Majewski they just could not find another way through. As time moved on it was Rovers who got that vital 5th goal when Steven Kavanagh and Finn Dunne linked well for Finn to put the game to bed. A very entertaining game was ended and Rovers notched up another 5-2 win. That’s now 4 wins and a draw from 7 games for these Rovers hopefuls; so best of luck to them for the future. Wicklow Rovers would also like to thank former Stoke, West Ham and Sunderland player Clive Clarke and the Newtown Juniors squad for posing for a group photo.

Date: 8/11/14Comp: LeagueVenue: Shamrock ParkKick Off: 1.00 pm

Under 8 Green LeagueRathnew Green 2 Wicklow Rovers Green 1

“Wicklow Rovers U8 Green team were away today to Rathnew AFC at 1pm. Rovers will go away from the game wondering just how did they lose it. With a stiff wind behind them Rovers dominated the first half with great play coming from Ciaran Walton and Sonny McHale. Rovers peppered the Rathnew goal and were rewarded after 15 minutes when Sonny McHale got his 4th goal of the season. Rathnew were limited to a few chances but the backline stood firm and Johnny Bourne held fast in goal. With the wind picking up more in the second half Rovers found it harder to take the ball far up the pitch. Rathnew found their feet and were now looking more of a threat going forward. But Rovers were still playing well and created a number of chances to go 2 up but were unable to convert. With 5 minutes to go Rathnew had their purple patch while Rovers tried to hold on. Rathnew were rewarded with two late goals which the visitors scarcely deserved to concede. But that’s football and after a very entertaining game both teams can be proud of their performances.''

Date: 29/11/14Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 10.00

Under 8 Green LeagueWicklow Rovers Green 0 Rathnew Green 0

Wicklow Rovers faced their local rivals Rathnew AFC today at home at the Hockey Pitch and a very entertaining game ensued. Rovers were seeking revenge after conceding two late goals in the away fixture. Rovers definitely started the better with some great attacking play coming from both wingers Finn Dunne and Sonny McHale. Steven Kavanagh and Joe Culleton had some good chances to put Rovers in to the lead but the Rathnew goalkeeper was on form and thwarted their efforts. Defensively Rovers were solid too with Alfie Doyle, Deon Fielding and Conor Williams holding firm with every Rathnew attack. 0 – 0 at half time but Rovers much the happier with their first 20 minutes. The second half got underway with Rathnew starting to get to grips with proceedings and Rovers soaked up a bit of pressure with Senan O’Donovan and James Majewski working hard. But it wasn’t long before Rovers started to express themselves again with Cillian Dunne, Ciaran Walton and Johnny Bourne making themselves known with some neat play. The game ebbed and flowed from then on but Rovers arguably had the best chances to seal it with Luke O’Meara and James Dunne going close. The rovers man of the match for this week would have to go to Steven Kavanagh who showed great determination with his tackling and dribbling and was very unlucky not to get on the score sheet. The match ended 0 – 0 but both sides contributed to a great spectacle.

Date: 6/12/14Comp: LeagueVenue: Finn Park

Under 8 GreenSt Anthonys 0 Wicklow Rovers Green 0

"Wicklow Rovers under 8 Green team were away to St Anthonys of Kilcoole today. A cold windy morning wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits as both teams displayed hunger and tenacity in what turned out to be a very entertaining game. Rovers started the quicker with some good attacking play coming down both wings. Finn Dunne and Sonny McHale were getting to grips on both flanks while Senan O’Donovan and Cillian Dunne followed up with some neat football of their own up front. But there was no way through the stubborn St Anthony’s defence. Anthony’s then began to push forward themselves but the Rovers defensive line of Ciaran Walton, Conor Williams and James Majewski held firm and allowed Anthony’s very little time on the ball. 0 – 0 at half time with no team giving an inch. The second half began with much the same pattern of play with both teams really trying their best to find a breakthrough. Luke O’Meara and Joe Culleton had a few chances to finally break the deadlock but yet again Anthony’s kept Rovers at bay. Down the other end Anthony’s poured forward again down both flanks and through the middle. James Dunne at left back made some vital clearances back up the left wing turning defence in to attack on a number of occasions. A man of the match performance from Deon Fielding at centre half thwarted Anthony’s on many occasions. A number of 3 on 1 attacks were quickly stuffed out by the young defender who showed grit in tackling and great defensive awareness. The game finally ended a draw with no team in truth deserving to lose. Rovers march on to their next game with a record of 5 Wins – 3 Draws – 3 Loses."

Date: 18/1/15Comp: LeagueVenue: Finn ParkKick Off: 10.00 am

Under 8 Green LeagueSt Anthonys Green 1 Wicklow Rovers Green 3

Wicklow Rovers U8 Greens got their first game of 2015 underway today at Finn Park against St. Anthony’s of Kilcoole. It was a very cold and windy morning with the grass pitch too hard to play on so it was decided to use the Astro Turf. 12 of the 14 man squad were able to make it and an entertaining 8 a side game got going. Rovers playing against a stiff head wind tried to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible as high shots were just coming straight back. The back line of James Majeswski, Deon Fielding and Alfie Doyle were kept busy but held their shape really well limiting St. Anthony’s to just a few long range shots. Senan O’Donovan, Ciaran Walton and Steven Kavanagh started to play Rovers out of trouble through midfield with some neat passing. The deadlock was broken after 10 minutes when Steven Kavanagh finished of a fine attacking move involving Cillian Dunne and Finn Dunne. 1-0 at half time with Rovers the happier with their first 20 minutes of work. With a strong wind at their backs Rovers got the second half underway but it was St. Anthony’s who looked the more dangerous and were duly rewarded with a fine goal after 25 minutes. But that seemed to be the kick that Rovers needed and they began again to get the ball down for some good passing play. The game now in was full flow with everyone 100% committed to the cause. Rovers now asserting their dominance got their noses back in front when Sonny McHale showed maturity beyond his years when controlling a fast paced ball with his left, turning, looking up and firing into the net with his right, Rovers defence continued to thwart St. Anthony’s with Conor Williams and Johnny Bourne snuffing out any half chance that may have arrived for the home team. Joe Culleton topped off a fine display when firing Rovers third on the 40 minute mark. Good display overall by the young Rovers boys and they march on for new challenges that lie ahead.

Date: 28/2/15Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 10.00 am

Wicklow Rovers Green 2 St Anthonys 1

"Wicklow Rovers u8 marked their 15 th game of the season with a great performance against a good St Anthony’s team. At the start (because St Anthony had only 8 players and Rovers had a full complement of 14) they decided to play 7 a side. Rovers decided to give each player a full half so split their group in two. The first group kicked off on a chilly Saturday morning with determination to give all they had for the 20 minutes and they didn’t disappoint. Ciaran Walton talking his turn in between the sticks had a stormer and was greatly helped by the backline of Alfie Doyle, Senan O’Donovan and Joe Culleton. James Majewski and Johnny Bourne held the line well in midfield with young Luke O’Meara being his ever tenacious self up front. St Anthony’s were mainly reduced to taking long range shots as the Rovers boys looked to counter whenever they could. James Majewski ran tirelessly from box to box linking up play really well. 0-0 at half time but a cracking half it was. Rovers now had the chance to field the second group of eagerly awaiting youngsters and they like the first group were determined to give 100%. Conor Williams took his turn in goal with James Dunne, Deon Fielding and Cillian Dunne occupying the defensive positions. Sonny McHale and Finn Dunne slotted in to midfield with the prolific Steven Kavanagh up top. 5 minutes in to the second half Rovers got the breakthrough they deserved when Sonny McHale and Finn Dunne linked up well for Steven Kavanagh to slot home. Steven now with 13 goals for the season should be well pleased with his tidy finish. St Anthony’s though we not going to lay down tools and pushed hard for an equaliser but some great defending from the Rovers men especially a last gasp interception from Deon Fielding kept them at bay. Rovers continued to press and were rewarded again when Finn Dunne finished off a good move in to the bottom corner of the Anthony’s net. Deon Fielding swapped with Conor Williams to give him a bit of game time with 10 minutes to go and he but in a great display of defending and harrowing until the final whistle. Anthony’s did get one back late on with an unstoppable shot from outside the box but the Rovers boys were not to be denied and notched up their 7 th win of the season. Man of the match James Majewski for a great all round first half display."

Date: 14/3/15Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 10.00 am

Under 8 Green LeagueWicklow Rovers Green 1 Ashford Rovers 1

"Wicklow Rovers took on Ashford Rovers on a dry but cold Saturday Morning at the Hockey pitch. Rovers with a full panel of 14 played 9 a side with plenty of rotation every 10 minutes to ensure everyone got lots of playing time. Ashford who had proven to be stiff competition for Rovers in the past few matches got off to the better start when just after 5 minutes scored a deflected goal. Not much the Rovers keeper could do about it really as the ball spun in off one of the defenders. But that early shock seemed to waken up the young Rovers hopefuls as they began to get in to their stride. With both teams now playing the ball along the ground as much as possible the game really took shape. Only together since September this Wicklow Rovers team are now showing signs of becoming a good football unit. More often than not play was being progressed from the backline to the midfield and on to the forward line. The rotating backline of Alfie Doyle, Senan O’Donovan and Deon Fielding were especially impressive; thwarting a series of attacks by the Ashford midfield. Rovers were eventually rewarded just before half time when Steven Kavanagh converted from a spot kick after being brought down. Rejuvenated by the comeback Wicklow Rovers started the second half a much more assured and confident team. Even though they had very few clear cut chances the showed incredible resilience in how they conducted themselves. The rotating midfield of Sonny McHale, Conor Williams, Cillian Dunne and James Majewski consistently harassed the Ashford midfield in to making mistakes while every Wicklow Rovers player gave 100% to the shirt leaving using every ounce of energy. Dropping back from the forward line Luke O’Meara showed notable terrier like endeavour while snapping at the heels of the Ashford players. 1-1 it finished and a huge improvement on previous meeting against the two teams. Man of the match today goes to Deon Fielding for an outstanding performance at centre back."

Date: 28/3/15Comp: LeagueVenue: Ballinalea ParkKick Off: 10 am

Under Green LeagueAshford Rovers 1 Wicklow Rovers Green 0

Wicklow Rover under 8 Green team were away today to neighbours Ashford Rovers. The last time these two met turned out to be a very entertaining game at the Hockey Pitch and this game turned out to be much the same. Ashford kicked off the match in a great frame of mind with plenty of attacks especially down the Rovers left wing. Rovers started the game with Senan O’Donovan in goal and he was kept busy early on. Ashford got the break through after about 10 minutes when a cross from the left slipped past the backline and in to the path of an Ashford forward. Up to then Rovers dealt well with all that was thrown at them. Rovers did produce some smart play of their own especially down the right side with Finn Dunne and James Majewski combining well. But at half time it was 1-0 to Ashford. The second half kicked off with Rovers now looking to get back on level terms but Ashford were determined to add to their lead. The Rovers rotating backline of Alfie Doyle, Deon Fielding, James Dunne and Ciaran Walton were certainly kept busy with some wonderful warrior like blocks from Conor Williams. Finn Dunne took his turn in goal and pulled off a number of good saves to thwart the Ashford attack. The Rovers Midfield and forward line of Sonny McHale, Cillian Dunne, Luke O’Meara and Joe Culleton tried their best to level the match but just could not break the Ashford defence. The match ended 1-0 to Ashford but yet again Rovers showed very good team spirit and seem to be enjoying their football more and more. Rovers man of the match for this week has to go to Conor Williams for a very brave display in defence.

Date: 12/5/15Comp: LeagueVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 7.00 pm

Under 8 Green LeagueWicklow Rovers Green 2 Arklow United Green 1

Wicklow Rovers Green team played their last game of the season this evening at a pleasant and mild Hockey Pitch. Their opponents were the classy Arklow Utd team that had got the better of the Rovers hopefuls on their two previous meetings. The game commenced with the home team hoping to get some revenge over the Arklow boys. Steven Kavanagh took his turn in goal and was tested early on with a thunderous shot from the Arklow central midfielder. But Steven stood to the task and deflected well. After the first 5 minutes had past Rovers started to get a foot hold in the game. The central midfield pairing of Deon Fielding and Alfie Doyle were now dominant in midfield with tenacious tackling and great link up play. Both Wings were also displaying great fight and endeavour with Joe Culleton dominating the right flank alongside Finn Dunne. The deadlock was finally broken after 10 minutes when Finn Dunne converted a deflected shot in to the Arklow net. Luke O’Meara can also be proud with his contribution to the goal as it was his never give up attitude that won the ball back before the Arklow backs could clear. Deon Fielding had a chance to make it 2 after taking on the Arklow defence with a mazy run but his shot was well save. Rovers went in at half time 1 up and were delighted with their efforts. The second half commenced with Arklow hoping to get back in to it. They had some good play down the Rovers left flank but Conor Williams and Senan O’Donovan were having none of it. Finn Dunne had now taken his turn in goal to allow Steven Kavanagh to come out field. Steven in particular who was anxious to make an impact went on some good runs down the right side but just could not find the killer pass. Against the run of play 10 minutes in to the second half Arklow got one back after a cross was bundled in from close range. But instead of dropping the heads that was the catalyst Rovers needed to march forward again. Wave after wave of attacks were rewarded when Sonny McHale went on a run down the left wing; turned towards goal and sent a blistering strike in to the roof of the Arklow net. The Rovers youngsters could not contain their joy but who could blame them. A well deserved win in a very entertaining game from both sides. Man of the match today is shared between Joe Culleton and Alfie Doyle. 23 games over an 8 month period has come to an end but these little men will certainly be back and should be watched out for. Well done to all involved and best of luck next season under 9."

Date: 8/4/15Comp: ShieldVenue: Finlay ParkKick Off: 6.30 pm

Under 10 Premier ShieldWicklow Town AFC 3 Wicklow Rovers A 5By James Nolan

On a warm and sunny Wednesday night at Finlay Park, it was Wicklow Rovers who earned the bragging rights over their next door neighbours, Wicklow Town AFC in an eight goal thriller.The two sides found themselves in unfamiliar territory coming into the clash. Both found themselves at the wrong end of the table, with the newly promoted Town sitting at the foot of the standings.Rovers had a great run in the League, narrowly missing out on the title itself before Christmas, while Town earned promotion from Division in the pre festive period. Therefore, both the green and blue sides of Wicklow were both looking to get their seasons back on track.The game kicked off at a quick pace with Rovers taking early control of proceedings. In the opening six minutes, Sam Culleton had two great chances to open the scoring for the visitors. However, Town custodian, Adam Byrne and the woodwork had other ideas. In the 11th minute, the boys in green did edge in front. A Peter Dunne corner was met on the head by the dangerous Sam Culleton. It was third time lucky for Culleton as he managed to steer his aerial effort past Byrne to open the scoring.However, three minutes later, the Townies cancelled out all of Rovers early opportunities. Billy Connors embarked on a solo run from the halfway line. Connors impressively skipped past numerous opposition players to slot into the bottom right corner of the net.The teams weren’t on level terms for long as Rovers, once again, took the lead. Sam Culleton turned provider as he found Ross McCrea with a cross. McCrea took the ball into his control, slotting past Adam Byrne to restore the Rovers lead.Ten minutes prior to the interval, Rovers scored again. Sam Christie slipped the ball through to Sam Culleton. Culleton coolly slotted past the advancing Byrne, opening up a two goal gap in the scoreline.The boys in green were worthy of their two goal cushion at the break. The away side had carved out more clear cut chances than their home counterparts in the early goings.Similar to the first period, the goals were flying in after half time, with four strikes coming in the space of 12 minutes.In the 28th minute, Peter Dunne picked out Steven Gormley from a corner. Gormley managed to wrap his foot around the ball, connecting with a shot. The midfielder’s effort found the back of the net with the aid of a deflection.At the half hour mark, Billy Connors burst clean through on goal. Connors let fly with a belter of a shot from the edge of the penalty area. Rory Hennessy had a minimal chance of saving as the ball nestled the roof of the net.Four minutes from time, Rovers wrapped up the three points once and for all. Sam Christie saw his shot well saved by Adam Byrne. Steven Gormley was the quickest to react as he followed in to net his brace.Town pulled one back in stoppage time. While the blues failed to take anything from the game, Billy Connors earned a novelty in the form of a hat-trick to take away from proceedings. The ball fell to the feet of Connors on the right wing. Connors struck gold with a speculate effort, beating Hennessy at his far post.The victory lifts Rovers clear of the relegation spots, while Town remain at the foot of the standings with just a sole point from their fixtures to date.

Date: 24/5/15Comp: Premier Cup FinalVenue: WoodlandsKick Off: 12.30 Under 11 Premier Cup Final Wicklow Rovers A 2 St Anthonys A 2 AET St Anthonys won 2-1 on pensThis was an excellent advert for football as both sides produced some good attacking play. For all the good play from both teams we had to wait till the 10th minute before the first real clear cut chance came along, It was a well struck free kick from Mark Hodgkinson that just flew narrowly past the post. Anthonys broke the deadlock at the mid point of the half when they sliced open the Rovers defence and finished neatly to go one up. Just before the break Rovers spurned a great chance to level matters, Tomas Kennedy and Sean O'Meara combined to set Tiernan O'Brien away down the right, O'Brien's cross into the six yard box evaded the in rushing Rovers players with the goal at their mercy. The second period saw Rovers dominate for a large part of the half, in the 37th minute Tom Hodgkinson found Willoughby Woods but his effort was saved by the keeper. Two minutes later Mark Hodgkinson fired in from distance but yet again the keeper was equal to it making a good save. Even though Rovers were doing all the pressing St Anthonys still looked dangerous on the break, in the 42nd minute Conor Luddy was called upon to keep Rovers in the game with a brave block at the feet of the St Anthonys striker. On the midway point of the half Rovers were awarded a free 20 yards out, Mark Hodgkinson stepped up and hit an unstoppable thunderbolt to the bottom left hand corner of the net and it was no more than Rovers deserved. A minute later things got even better for Wicklow, David Butler and Callum Gibney combined to win a corner kick, the resulting corner from Jack Ryan was tucked home by Conor Hunter to put Rovers 2-1 in front. Rovers piled forward looking to kill off the game and they definitely had the chances to do so, first Sean O'Meara went close firing just over. Callum Gibney sent in a cross that was met by Tom Hodgkinson who just missed the target. Luke Dunne picked out Woods with two minutes left on the clock but he was denied by the keeper. The last couple of minutes saw Anthonys press for the equaliser, first David Butler denied them with a well timed challenge and then Conor Luddy in the Rovers goal clawed the ball away. Wicklow should have sealed on the stroke of full time, Woods found Conor Hunter with a perfect pass but he was foiled by the advancing keeper. Deep into injury time disaster struck for Rovers, the ball bounced around the area like a pin ball machine before an Anthonys player got the killer touch to draw his team level. It was heart breaking for the Wicklow side who controlled the second half for large periods. In extra time the only chance of note fell to St Anthonys but Luddy pulled off a magnificent save. It was now on to the lottery of the penalty shootout, a horrible way to sort out a game but that's football, unfortunately for Rovers St Anthonys came out on top in the shootout. It was a great display from the Rovers squad, it was hard to select a man of the match as every player gave a hundred percent, all twelve players played a big part in a highly entertaining match, when pushed to select a man of the match I'd go with David Butler. He was outstanding, his reading of the game, his well timed challenges and his overall play were excellent, a joy to watch. Well done lads on making the final and providing the watching crowd with a very entertaining game of football, you done your club proud. Well done also to Colin and Jenny for the great job your doing with the team. Congratulations to St Anthonys on your win and your part in a very enjoyable game.SQUAD: Conor Luddy, Willoughby Woods, Luke Dunne, Tomas Kennedy, David Butler, Mark Hodgkinson, Conor Hunter, Sean O'Meara, Callum Gibney, Tiernan O'Brien, Jack Ryan, Tom Hodgkinson.

Under 11 Division 3 Shield final

Wicklow Rovers B 4-0 Arklow Town B

By James Nolan

In what was the third meeting of the sides in Shield competition, Wicklow Rovers B made claim to the Under 11 Division Three Shield title, seeing off Arklow Town via a four goal margin.Wicklow arguably would have entered the clash as the narrow favourites to return home with the crown as they had previously overcame the Town in the group format of the competition, winning both fixtures by one goal to nil.However, it was Arklow who came closest to opening the scoring in the early stages. A Darragh Mills throw in set Bobby Desmond through on goal. The angle was tight and the task of beating Liam Nicholson proved too great for the number nine as he ruffled the side netting.Rovers fought back with a chance of their own in the 12th minute. Jordan Younger’s free kick from the right flank rattled the woodwork before being cleared away from danger by the Town protectors.In the 18th minute, Younger would experience better fortunes with his set piece efforts. This time out, Younger’s free from just past the halfway line flew in over Callum O’Neill’s head, giving Rovers the advantage.With the tide swinging in their favour, Wicklow would double their lead in the lead up to the interval. Jordan Younger’s initial attempt from the halfway line was parried right by custodian, Callum O’Neill. Oran Dempsey picked up the pieces for Rovers, skinning an oncoming defender and shooting across O’Neill.While all may have looked bleak for Arklow, they were handed a real lifeline almost immediately after the break. The black and whites were awarded a penalty when Liam Nicholson impeded Bobby Desmond in the penalty area.However, it was Nicholson who made up for the foul as he successfully stopped Desmond’s spot kick.The penalty miss appeared to be the final nail in the Arklow coffin as Rovers would run riot, netting two more before full time to ensure the silverware was returning to Whitegates with them.Firstly, in the 40th minute, Jordan Younger embarked on a run down the left wing. Younger squared to Fionn O’Higgins, who had his shot blocked. Oran Dempsey was present to hammer in the breaking ball, earning himself a brace in the process.And, three minutes from time, Rovers rounded up a fantastic four. Zach Harris got on the end of a Charlie Phelan cross to spark celebrations amongst the Rovers players and faithful.Top Form: Jordan Younger (Wicklow Rovers B) Younger proved to be a nuisance to Arklow from start to finish.

Four goals, a penalty incident and sharp attacking football, there was no better place to be than the Whitegates on Sunday morning last. Two old foes in Wicklow Rovers and Arklow Town clashed heads in the Under 12 Premier League. These two sides have a long history of producing classic contests with one another and this one certainly did not disappoint. On the day both teams were that good, the game really could have went either way. It is also very worthwhile noting that it is both sets of players first season on the full sized 11 a side pitch and despite the young bunch still adapting to the extra mileage, they ran themselves into the ground from beginning to end.Arklow will be out to seek vengeance on Wicklow this season by regaining the treble of Premier trophies they won the season before last, after Rovers edged them out in last season’s race for the premier title, as well as comprehensively defeating the Town in the Premier Cup finale. However, it was Rovers who were the faster out of the traps. Five minutes into play Max Kearney gave Fionn Luddy, Luddy used his electrifying pace to beat the fullback and round Dylan Byrne to tap into a vacant goal.A dream start for Rovers was nearly improved a matter of minutes later when Max Kearney’s tricky curling shot forced Dylan Byrne into a solid save.The game for its entirety followed a very similar pattern, Wicklow attack, Arklow clear, Arklow attack, Wicklow clear, it was like watching Rodger Federer take on Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon the game was that end to end.In the 18 th minute, the Town came up with a solution to their problems and bagged an equaliser. Conor Mahon played a perfectly weighted through ball for Cian Reilly to run onto. When Reilly gained possession of the ball he was as cool as a cucumber in front of goal, spotting Andrew Nolan a couple of yards off his line and chipping the ball over him to level proceedings.Five minutes later and the game was turned right over onto its head, as Arklow doubled their tally to take the lead. The ball fell to left back, Ollie Matthews on the left wing, Matthews struck the ball first time in what was a speculate effort from a mile out, the ball crept in over Andrew Nolan’s head and into the far top corner of the net. We are only at the dawn of the new season but there’s no doubt that the finish of Matthew’s will be a goal of the season contender by the time May rolls around. The first period concluded with a few minor half chances for either side but nothing overly stressful for either custodian. Both sets of players returned from the interval and in the early stages of the second half, Wicklow were digging deep in search of a leveller. Almost immediately after the tip off a Max Kearney corner found Fionn Luddy in the penalty area. Luddy pulled the ball back to Sam Brown on the edge of the box, Brown’s powerful strike looked destined for goal but Dylan Byrne was equal to the attempt, pulling off a spectacular diving save to temporarily keep the hosts at bay.In the 35 th minute the home side cured their pain, by netting the all important equalising goal. Sam Brown played a cross field ball into space, Fionn Luddy snuck into the space behind the backs of the Arklow line of defence and Luddy coolly slotted the ball low and hard past Byrne level things up and net his brace in the process.Both teams went all out for the winner for the remainder of the clash, sharing a few great chances each in the dying 20 minutes. Three quarters of the way into the game, substitute, Adam O’Reilly layed off Max Kearney who turned the Arklow protector and fired just inches over the crossbar. Two minutes later and there was an opportunity up the other end. Attacking full back, Ollie Matthews picked up the ball in the box and his attempt was set to nestle the back of the net but Andrew Nolan got down low to tip the ball onto the post. In the 52 nd minute Rovers had their best stab at taking all three points from the clash. Max Kearney played a through ball to Adam O’Reilly, O’Reilly’s venomous shot smacked off the post and out to Fionn Luddy who nearly became a hat-trick hero but his effort sailed over the bar, causing no danger.A matter of seconds later, Town were rewarded a penalty up the other end when Kyle Nolan was brought down in the box. Nolan took the spot kick that followed but it was the other Nolan in the goals for Wicklow Rovers that won the battle, as Andrew Nolan was the hero for his side, once again, getting down quickly to prevent the ball from creeping into the bottom corner.In the end a draw was probably the fair result, although both squads will make a strong claim that they should of won the game with the number of chances they both had. Top Form: Ryan Delaware (Wicklow Rovers A) There were are a number of players on both sides in contention for the award but it has to go to the unsung hero. Despite being the smallest man on the field, Delaware won everything in the air and played the role of sweeper like a seasoned veteran.

Date: 24/5/15 Comp: Premier Cup Final Venue: Woodlands Kick Off: 2.45 pm Under 12 Premier Cup Final Wicklow Rovers A 5 Greystones United A 0Rovers travelled to the Woodlands to take on Greystones United in their own backyard and what a clinical job they did. As early as the second minute Rovers were in front, the impressive Sam Brown played a diagonal ball in from the right into the space behind the centre backs, it was a straight race between David Lally and the Greystones net minder and there was only one winner, Lally was like lightening as he won the race to fire the ball past the keeper to give his team the perfect start. Rovers were controlling the middle of the park in the early stages with Samuel Bishop and Max Kearney breaking up Greystones attacking play. On twelve minutes Paul Haskins found Brown wide on the right, Brown left his marker trailing in his wake before measuring a pin point cross to pick out Lally in the six yard box. This time Lally wasn't as clinical when the keeper produced a double save to deny him. Greystones had two chances to level, one came after fourteen minutes when a good move ended with a wayward shot on goal. Then five minutes before the break a ball across the six yard box was crying out for a touch but it wasn't to be. With three minutes left to the break Rovers showed just why they are challenging for honours, a swift break up the left involving Fionn Luddy and Adam O'Reilly ended with O'Reilly crossing to find Sam Brown at the back and he made no mistake as he powerfully slammed to the roof of the net to make it 2-0. The second half was much the same, Rovers on the front foot doing all the pressing with Greystones been limited to the odd venture upfield. In the 37th minute Adam O'Reilly played in Fionn Luddy but his shot was parried away by the keeper. The way the game was going it was only a matter of time before Rovers got their third and it came in the 40th minute, Brown's cross field pass picked out Luddy wide on the left, Luddy slipped the ball through the middle of the last two defenders and Adam O'Reilly did the rest, he left the defenders for dead and then coolly slid the ball past the keeper to make it 3-0. Three minutes later it was 4-0, Samuel Bishop's slide rule pass in behind the defence saw O'Reilly show Husain Bolt like pace to race away and slot the ball past the keeper to make it two goals for O'Reilly in the space of three minutes. On the 50th minute mark Rovers were unlucky not to make it 5-0 when Ryan Delamere long ball over the top found Max Kearney whose attempted lob fell the wrong side of the upright. The icing was put on the cake when the excellent Brown sprayed a thirty five yard pass to David Lally who fired home his second and Rovers fifth to spark wild celebrations in the Wicklow camp. This was a very impressive performance as they clinically dispatched their opponents in a ruthless fashion. With a runners up medal in the league to go with their cup winners medal the lads now have the shield final against Arklow Town and the combined cup final against today's opponents to look forward to. The squad as a whole were excellent on the day, man of the match on the day had to go to the impressive Sam Brown, he was instrumental in all Rovers play, Brown provided the assists for three goals and scored one himself as well as working back tirelessly to help out his defenders. Congratulations to the team and managers Mick Kearney and Jerry Lewins and the very best of luck in your two finals. Well done to Greystones for playing their part in a very sporting final.SQUAD: Andrew Nolan, Paul Haskins, Ryan Delamere, Mike Gleeson, Fionn O'Brien, Samuel Bishop, Sam Brown, Max Kearney, Fionn Luddy, Connor Lewins, David Lally, Harry Hodgkinson, Ryan Kavanagh, Daniel Dunne, Mark O'Brien, Adam O'Reilly.Date: 3/6/15Comp: Shield FinalVenue: Whitegates Kick Off: 7 pm

Under 12 Premier Shield FinalWicklow Rovers A 0 Arklow Town 1

Well we've come accustomed to these two rivals producing tight battles and this game was no different to past tussles. Rovers had what proved to be their best chance of the half as early as the fifth minute, Sam Brown made a great mazy run down the right before sending over a pin point cross to Connor Lewins who blazed over from ten yards. Arklow had a lot of possession in the first period but in truth neither side were creating much in the way of clear cut chances. Eight minutes from the break Arklow tested Andrew Nolan in the Rovers goal from distance but the keeper was equal to it saving well. Just on the stroke of half time Arklow squandered a good chance when through on goal they failed to hit the target. The simple story of the first half was that both sets of defences were mostly on top through out. The second half saw more of the same with both sides giving the other the greatest of respect, you could see they knew each other very well as they continued to cancel each other out. If anything Arklow were probably shading things going forward but they were limited to long range efforts and this was mainly due to an excellent performance from the Rovers number four Ryan Delamere who had his defence well marshalled. The Town produced a couple of long range efforts but neither troubled Nolan in the goal. As the game wore on it was more and more likely that the first goal was going to be decisive and this proved to be the case. In the 40th minute Arklow won a free out on the left, they swung over the free with the Arklow player reacting the quickest to head past the keeper for the opening goal. The remaining minutes saw Rovers push forward seeking an equaliser but they found it hard to break down a resolute Arklow rearguard. Arklow were also hitting Rovers on the break but they were denied time after time with the excellent Delamere mopping up any through balls or long balls over the top. Max Kearney had a good chance three minutes from time but his effort from the edge of the area sailed just over. On the final whistle the black and whites of Arklow celebrated a 1-0 win, which on the night they probably just about deserved. Rovers gave it their all in what proved to be as tight a game as we expected. Rovers move on next week to the Combined cup final tussle with Greystones United A and a chance to claim another cup having already won the Premier cup. The lads have had a good season, which has saw them compete in all four competitions in local football. Premier Cup winners, Premier League and Shield runners up with the combined cup still to play for, a very productive season indeed.Man of the match: Ryan Delamere, his reading of the game was second to none, he cleaned up behind his defence all night, simple and effective in all his play.SQUAD: Andrew Nolan, Paul Haskins, Mike Gleeson, Ryan Delamere, Fionn O'Brien, Sam Brown, Max Kearney, Samuel Bishop, Fionn Luddy,Connor Lewins, Adam O'Reilly, Harry Hodgkinson, David Lally, Ryan Kavanagh, Daniel Dunne.

Date: 9/6/15Comp: Under 12 Combined CupVenue: WoodlandsKick Off: 7 pm

Under 12 Combined Cup Final Greystones United A 1 Wicklow Rovers A 3

Having already clashed in this season's premier cup final at the same venue earlier this month, which Wicklow won, these two sides came up against each other again, this time in the final of the combined cup. Rovers went into the final as odds on favourites but the home side had other ideas. It was Rovers who made the early running forcing three corners inside the first four minutes. Sam Brown's corners were of the highest quality, the quality was that good that any kind of touch from a Wicklow player would almost certainly have led to a goal but unfortunately that touch never materialized with Connor Lewins coming closest as the ball just evaded him by millimeters. Greystones themselves looked well up for the game, not letting Rovers settle on the ball. After eight minutes Greystones went in front from their first meaningful attack into the Rovers half, a long ball up the middle caught out the defence and the Stones striker made no mistake firing low into the bottom right hand corner. This didn't seem to affect the Rovers team as they continued with their neat passing game with Paul Haskins and Sam Brown causing Greystones all sorts of problems on the right. It was a combination of Haskins and Brown that set David Lally scurrying away down the right, Lally's cross picked out Samuel Bishop who was denied by the keeper. Rovers were attacking wave after wave in search of an equaliser and it finally came in the 25th minute when they breached the home rearguard, a flowing move involving six Wicklow players in the build up saw Rovers draw level, Mike Gleeson, David Lally Adam O'Reilly and Fionn O'Brien combined on the left to set up Brown inside the area, Brown was denied by the keeper but Fionn Luddy was like a greyhound out of the traps as he was quickest to react to the breaking ball to coolly fire home to make it 1-1. Rovers had two good chances to go in front before the break and they both fell to Brown, his first was a header from a Lally cross which was well saved by the keeper and the keeper denied him again when he blocked Brown just as he was about to pull the trigger. Rovers got off to a dream start in the second half, a tactical switch by the management duo of Mick Kearney and Jerry Lewins saw Max Kearney pushed into a more forward role with Fionn Luddy pushing into the middle of the park and Ryan Kavanagh coming on out wide on the left and it paid dividends straight away, Ryan Delamere who was excellent all night found Luddy in the middle, his defence splitting ball saw a race between Kearney and the keeper which the keeper won but all credit to Kearney as he kept going and was brave in his block on the keepers clearance to win the ball back and slot home for the lead. At this stage Rovers were piling forward in search of the insurance goal and it came a few minutes later. Ryan Kavanagh and Adam O'Reilly between them worked the ball to Samuel Bishop out on the left, his square ball found the in rushing Kearney who calmly guided the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make it 3-1. Kearney was now looking for his hat-trick and it almost came midway through the half, a long punt upfield by Andrew Nolan put in Brown away on the right, his cross was met by the head of Kearney who could only agonizingly look on as his effort fell the wrong side of the upright. In the 21st minute the impressive Haskins found Bishop who unleashed a rocket from distance that just missed the target. Greystones were limited to a couple of long range chances in the second period half and this was mainly due to the excellent defence of Haskins, Delamere, O'Brien and Gleeson. Rovers saw out the final minutes to claim the cup to bring it back to the Whitegates.Star Man: This was a toss up between Ryan Delamere and Paul Haskins. Delamere even though the smallest player on the pitch led by example, his reading of the game was excellent and never shirked a challenge as he went about his job but on the night the vote goes narrowly to Haskins at right full. He was tenacious in the tackle, his support for his fellow defenders when in need was a joy to watch, going forward he was accurate with his distribution of the ball, his overall play on the night was excellent.Congratulations to Mick, Jerry and the team in a highly successful season that saw them secure the Premier cup and Combined cup while also claiming runners up spot in the Premier league and Premier shield.SQUAD: Andrew Nolan, Paul Haskins, Fionn O'Brien, Ryan Delamere, Mike Gleeson, Sam Brown, Max Kearney, Samuel Bishop, Fionn Luddy, Connor Lewins, Adam O'Reilly, David Lally, Ryan Kavanagh, Harry Hodgkinson, Mark O'Brien and Daniel Dunne.

It was a game of two halves at Lamberton Arklow on Saturday morning. Wicklow Rovers travelled to Arklow to play with the minimum of 11 players. So the team lineout for Rovers was one that the boys found hard to get used to in the first half and they quickly found themselves 1-0 down to a well drilled Arklow side. The goal resulting from a dubious free kick went in to the top corner despite goalkeeper Aaron Lynch’s best attempt to stop it. Shortly after this Arklow went two up from play and looked very comfortable going forward. Again Rovers keeper Aaron Lynch made some vital saves to keep Arklow at bay. The Rover’s defence also held out valiantly until close to half time when Arklow netted their third goal. Wicklow’s only chance in the first half should have resulted in a penalty however the referee disagreed with the travelling supporters and the boys went in 3-0 down at half time. It must have been the Sir Alex type chat by manager Rob Free and the voice of experience from old timer Colm Murphy at half time that resulted in a massive turn around in the second half. Right from the whistle Rovers chased every ball and Arklow player to great effect. Their new confidence was rewarded with a well worked team goal when Conor Leonard hit a super cross for Scott Bushe to skillfully put the ball in the Arklow net within the first 10 minutes of the second half. Slowly but surely the midfield began to click for Rovers with Ben Free, Sean Murphy, Conor Leonard and Lee Hamilton all starting to get the better of their Arklow rivals. Scott Bushe came close twice to pulling another goal back with one of his shots hitting the Arklow bar. It was down to man of the match Evan Dwyer to get Rovers second when he picked up a loose clearance and shot into the top left of the Arklow net with 10 minutes remaining. With belief restored Wicklow started to put Arklow under huge pressure for an equaliser and they were duly rewarded when Scott Bushe scored from close range to tie the match at 3-3. This comeback by Rovers despite having to play with 10 men for most of the second half due to an injury to Patrick Owens was a testament to the team spirit shown by all of the team on a memorable day in Arklow . Team: Aaron Lynch, Donal O Donoghue, Pat Owens, Kieran Fitzpatrick, Kevin Leonard, Evan Dwyer, Ben Free, Sean Murphy, Lee Hamilton, Conor Leonard, Scott Bushe . Date: 21/3/15Comp: ShieldVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 9.45 am

Under 13 Premier ShieldWicklow Rovers A 2-3 Greystones United BBy James Nolan

Greystones United B kicked off their Premier Shield campaign in style with a valiant 3-2 victory away to Wicklow Rovers A.The newly crowned Division One league champions found themselves two goals down leading up to the half time break. However, strikes from Archie Morrison, Patrick Orr and Chris Lanigan rounded off a never say die comeback for United, cancelling out Paul Marah and Cian Ward’s efforts that gave Rovers the initial two goal cushion.The opening ten minutes of the encounter saw a very end to end pattern to the game, with both sides trying to get forward and create opportunities.In the sixth minute, Stones managed to carve out the first opportunity. Archie Morrison caught the Wicklow centre half in possession of the ball. Morrison was unable to convert as Liam Connelly rushed out off his goal line to grasp the ball from the feet of the visiting striker.Moments later, the hosts would earn a crack of the whip for themselves. Cian Ward worked hard to find some space in the penalty area. Ward slotted the ball past the advancing Lachian Waucer. Ward’s effort had goal written all over it, but fortunately for Waucer, his centre back was there to cover him by clearing the ball off the goal line and out of harm’s way. A close call for the travelling United.Greystones began to stamp a bit of authority on the encounter. The green and white stripes came close to taking the lead on numerous occasions. Both, Chris Lanigan and Dylan Goldsmith blasted attempts over the bar during this period of away dominance.The Wicklow Rovers A side who lost 3-2 to Greystones United B on Saturday last.Despite United’s large share of possession and chances in the Wicklow half, it was the boys in green who took the lead one minute before the interval. Robbie Hoffman sent Paul Marah on a run down the left flank. Marah lifted his head and spotted Cian Ward roaming free in the penalty area. Marah squared the ball into Ward, with the Rovers front man confidently stroking the ball past Waucer.You’d be a fool to believe Wicklow were content at that. One minute later, Rovers shell shocked Greystones by doubling their lead. Paul Marah turned scorer when he spotted custodian, Lachian Waucer off his line. Marah successfully lifted the ball over Waucer’s head with a lob. Two Stones protectors made a last ditch attempt to prevent the ball from going in over the line, but by then Marah was already running off in celebration of the crafty finish he had just pulled out of the bag.At this point we were deep into stoppage time in the first period. Wicklow must have been waiting for the half time whistle to sound, as they took the foot off the pedal just for a few seconds, leading to a United goal. Archie Morrison skipped past Rovers fullback, Michael Ryan. Morrison had two options available to him, square the ball into the centre or pull the trigger. The Stones number ten chose the latter, beating Liam Connelly at his near post with a powerful strike.The newly promoted, Greystones United B side who came from behind to defeat Wicklow Rovers A by three goals to two.The visitors would have felt hard done by going into the interval a goal down given all the play they had in the opening period. However, it was Rovers who turned out to be the more clinical as they brought with them into half time what truly mattered, the lead.In the 37th minute, we saw the fourth goal of the clash and this one was the equaliser. In what was a carbon copy of Paul Marah’s finish in the first half, Patrick Orr managed to catch Liam Connelly off his line with a terrific lob from distance. The long ranger by Orr flew over the heads of both the keeper, and multiple defenders.With the teams back on level terms it could really have went either way. Both teams were eager to get forward and pile the pressure on their opponents. The game returned to its early end to end pattern. However, this time there was close calls for both sides.First it was the turn of Stones to trouble Rovers. In a game full of lobs, Dylan Goldsmith wanted in on the action. Unfortunately for Goldsmith, his attempt at getting the ball over Connelly’s head was not as pin point as what had transpired before and his effort went harmlessly wide of the post.In the 46th minute, Craig Anderson let fly with a speculate effort from the halfway line. The Rover’s left back caught the ball right on the sweet spot, but the shot crept narrowly wide.The game looked to have all the hallmarks of a draw. We were into injury time and the possession was primarily in central areas of the field.Just as everyone was looking towards referee, Joe Hanlon to blow up for full time, Greystones had one final trick up their sleeves. Chris Lanigan picked the ball up in the middle of the park, carrying it a number of yards. Lanigan made it to the edge of the box before he decided to fire a goal bound shot. The midfielder sent the away sideline into mass celebration as his strike found the roof of the net giving Connelly little to no chance of saving.Hanlon did sound for full time in the aftermath of what turned out to be the winning goal.Newly promoted, United could not have asked for a better start to life in the top tier of football at under 13 level. Although they made hard work of it, these three points could prove to be vital in the long run for this B team who now share a league with no less than six A teams.The defeat rings alarm bells for Wicklow Rovers who suffered their second loss in as many Shield encounters.

Top Form: Archie Morrison (Greystones United B) The striker showed plenty of wits in his craft. He often peeled off into spaces, thus opening gaps in the Rovers back four for his side to exploit.

Rovers went into this game very much under strength with three players out injured leaving them down to the bare eleven men. It was Enniskerry who started the best attacking the Rovers rearguard at will, limiting Wicklow to the odd venture forward. Enniskerry had the first chance of note on eleven minutes but their effort sailed over. On nineteen minutes they should have hit the target but blasted wide. Shortly after Gary Dowling and Aidan Hennessey combined to stop the Enniskerry forward getting in on goal. A minute later Joe O'Shea in the Rovers goal had to be alert to turn the ball away. The half endedwith neither side really looking like breaking the deadlock. The second half started with Joe O'Shea coming to his sides rescue with a smart save at the feet of the Enniskerry striker. The red and whites went in front after thirty three minutes when a well worked three man move saw them take the lead and put it up to Rovers. In fairness to Rovers they responded well taking the game to their opponents. Wicklow created five chances in a ten minute period midway through the half and they all fell to Tom O'Shea. In the space of two minutes around the 38th minute mark Rovers won two free kicks just outside the area but both efforts were off target. In the 40th minute O'Shea did trouble the keeper, his superb effort was turned away for a corner by the keeper, the resulting corner came to nothing. A couple of minutes later O'Shea was denied again when his shot from the edge of the area was parried and clutched at the second attempt by the keeper. At this stage it was all Rovers as they piled forward looking for the leveller. Charlie Christie made a great run down the right wing leaving three opponents in his wake, his cross was met by Tom O'Shea but yet again he was denied by the keeper. With a minute left on the clock Enniskerry caught Rovers with asucker punch goal breaking up field to score to put the game beyond doubt, in truth it was a classic finish by the Enniskerry player cutting in from the right beating three players on his way to slotting the ball past Joe O'Shea in the Rovers goal. Tom O'Shea did eventually get the better of the Enniskerry keeper when he fired home a consolation goal from a free just to the right of the 18 yard box. This was a typical cup tie with both teams battling their way through the game, Enniskerry probably just about deserved their victory as they were more clinical in front of goal when the chances came their way. Well done to Stephen, David and the team on reaching the final. Congratulations to Enniskerry on their success.TEAM: Joe O’Shea, Aidan Hennessey, Noah Stankos, Aidan Kelly, Gary Dowling, Joris Bearda, Charlie Christie, Tom O’Shea, Nedis Velindis, Rhuain Doyle, Jacob Byrne.

Date: 31/5/15Comp: Division 1 Shield FinalKick Off: 1.15 pmVenue: Finn Park Under 15 Division 1 Shield Final Wicklow Rovers B 1 St Patricks 3Rovers went into this final as underdogs but on the balance of play in the first hour of this final they looked anything but, Rovers took the game to their older opponents and it was just the St Patricks keeper that prevented Rovers going in at the break with a healthy lead. On seven minutes Kennedy cup player Jack Colaluca curled an effort wide of the right hand post with the outside of his left foot. Three minutes later Colaluca sent Tom Farrell racing away down the left wing, Farrell's cross caused havoc in the Pats rearguard and Daniel Fitzsimons saw his goal bound effort blocked. After eighteen minutes Tristan O'Toole picked out Sean Leonard but his shot was straight at the keeper. In the 23rd minute St Patricks had their first clear cut opening but the chance was wasted when they fired wide of the target. On the half hour mark the St Patricks keeper pulled off an excellent double save, firstly he denied Rovers when he parried Leonard's wicked free kick and then reacted quickly to push away Colaluca's follow up effort. Two minutes later the keeper was called on again pulling off a superb one handed save to push away Fitzsimons strong header. Just before the break both sides had a chance to open the scoring, Leonard fired over for Rovers and up the other end Shane Cullinan who impressed through out came to his sides rescue with a well timed challenge just inside the box. The first minute of the second period saw Pats go close with an effort that shaved the outside of the post. St Patricks had a great chance in the 43rd minute when they headed wide with an empty goal at their mercy. In the 50th minute Rovers defender Ryan Corrigan rattled the woodwork from twenty yards with a well struck shot. If Corrigan's effort was good Conor Byrne's was even better three minutes later, Byrne pick the ball up thirty yards out, unleashed a thunder bolt of an effort that nestled in the bottom right hand corner of the net and it was no more than they deserved. Unfortunately the lead wasn't to last long as St Patricks levelled a couple of minutes later with a half volley from the edge of the area. St Patricks were spurred on by the quick leveller and added two more goals to put the game beyond Rovers reach. They did push on in their desperate bid to get back into the game but they found the Pats defence in no mood to concede. Rovers can take great credit from this performance, a place in the final at the first time of asking in an older age bracket is no mean achievement and with a bit of luck and been more clinical in front of goal it could have been so much different. Rovers man of the match had to go to Shane Cullinan who put in a great shift, his strong and well timed challenges and his overall work ethic were excellent.SQUAD: Sean Coffey, Dylan Frazer, Tom Farrell, Shane Cullinan, Ryan Corrigan, Fiachra O'Briain, Shane Lincoln, Jack Colaluca, Sean Leonard, Tristan O'Toole, Daniel Fitzsimons, Conor Byrne, Owen Screenan, Cillian Kelly.

Date: 2/5/15Comp: Combined Cup FinalVenue: Whitegates Kick Off: 7 pm Under 14 Combined Cup Final Wicklow Rovers A 3 Ashford Rovers 1On a beautiful sunny evening at the Whitegates the under 14 combined cup final pitted the Rovers of Wicklow against the Rovers of Ashford. These two sides finished first and second in the battle for the league with Wicklow claiming the title which earned them the tag of favourites going into this game. That is definitely not the way it panned out in the first half, even though Wicklow enjoyed a lot of possession they lacked the cutting edge in the final third and it was Ashford who were cutting out the better chances. After eight minutes Ashford nearly took the lead when their headed effort struck the upright and back into the grateful arms of Wicklow's keeper Sean Coffey. Ashford went close again two minutes later with a shot that crept past the left post. Wicklow were huffing and puffing but were struggling to get an effort in on goal. In the 18th minute the blue Rovers were celebrating, Ashford won a free wide on the right, intelligently the Ashford player floated the ball into the top left hand corner to give Coffey in the Wicklow goal no chance. Wicklow had two chances before the break to draw level and if there was one man who you would want on the end of them it would be leading marksman Daniel Fitzsimons. Unfortunately for Wicklow Fitzsimons wasn't at his clinical best, his first effort was wide of the target and his second was straight at the keeper to leave Ashford 1-0 up at the break, a lead they deserved on the balance of play. The second half saw Wicklow pile forward in search of the equaliser and it wasn't long before they levelled the game up. Nine minutes after the break a well struck free from Sean Leonard sailed into the roof of the net to make it 1-1, now it was the green and whites who were celebrating. The Rovers of Wicklow were now on the front foot and it was no surprise when their pressure told. If Fitzsimons hadn't found his range in the first period he more than made up for it in the second half. On the 50th minute mark Wicklow's two Kennedy cup players combined, Jack Colaluca squared the ball to Fitzsimons who made no mistake firing into the bottom corner of the net to put Wicklow's noses in front. In the 56th minute Leonard went close to increasing the lead but his shot just cleared the bar. The game was put beyond doubt in the 66th minute when the lethal Fitzsimons ghosted in at the back post to slot home the killer goal. The game petered out in the remaining minutes as Wicklow captured the combined cup to add to their league title and runners up in the under 15 division 1 shield. Well done to Ashford who took the game to Wicklow and caused them problems for large periods of the match.Star Man: Daniel Fitzsimons, even when things weren't going his way he looked dangerous, a handful to mark. Didn't let the early missed chances affect him as he coolly slotted home two goals in the second period.SQUAD: Sean Coffey, Ryan Corrigan, Fiachra O'Briain, Tom Farrell, Cillian Kelly, Owen Shreenan, Dylan Frazer, Sean Leonard, Conor Byrne, Shane Lincoln, Daniel Fitzsimons, Jack Colaluca, Tristan O'Toole, Shane Cullinan.

Season 2015/16

Date: 14/2/16Comp: LeagueVenue: WoodlandsKick Off: 1 pm

Under 11 Division 2Greystones United B 2 Wicklow Rovers White 1

Well the Woodlands probably saw one of the best games they will witness all season today, our under 11 white team took on Greystones United in what was a top of the table clash. Unfortuately the lads lost 2-1 but they can take credit from a performance that argues well for the future of this little team. In truth both teams served up a feast of entertaining attacking football with both defences also been excellent in their art of defending. This game had everything good about football, it was a typical top of the table clash. The game provided end to end football with exciting goalmouth scrambles, both teams struck the woodwork and to top it off the game was played in a good sporting manner from both sides. With the game tied a 1-1 it was a cruel deflection that provided the winner for Greystones in heart breaking fashion. Top scorer Ryan McConnell nabbed the Rovers goal for his fifteenth of the season. Both teams were a credit to their clubs and their coaching staff, well done to everyone involved.

Date: 1/5/16Comp: ShieldVenue: Hockey PitchKick Off: 10 am

Under 11 Division 2A ShieldWicklow Rovers White 2 St Patricks 2

The under 11 white team were involved in a very entertaining game on Sunday in the Hockey Pitch when they hosted St Patricks of Avoca. The lads came flying out of the traps and took the game to their opponents. In the fifth minute Rovers took an early lead when Jamis Duffy finished off a neat passing move to claim his fourth goal of the season. Six minutes later things got even better for Rovers, this time Jamie Duffy turned provider when he fed in top scorer Ryan McConnell who duly dispatched the ball to the back of the net to move him onto 27 goals for the campaign. At this stage of the match it was all Wicklow as they poured forward in search of number three, they did have the chances but were unable to convert them. They were caught with a sucker punch when just before the break the away side pulled one back. The second period was a more even affair with both teams going close early on, St Patricks did however draw level in the thirty sixth minute with a powerful finish. Rovers did have a bit of luck on their side when St Patricks struck the upright with ten minutes remaining. Rovers did finish the game the strongest forcing a series of corners in the last few minutes and from one of the resulting corners they shaved the outside of the post with the keeper beaten. This result now means the lads have accumlated four points from their first two shield games. Above and below are some action photos from the game, more can be viewed on their team page or on the club facebook page.

Date: 23/5/16Comp: LeagueVenue: Jobstown ParkKick Off: 7.15pm

Inter OrangeBrookfield 4 Wicklow Rovers 0

On the senior front it was left to our senior ladies to provide the action as they kicked off their season in the Dublin Women’s Football League. Unfortunately for the girls they got off to a losing start away to Brookfield losing 4-0. The girls performance didn’t warrant a four nil deficit as they put in a good shift and probably should have been a lot closer on the scoreboard. As this was their first game of the season and there’s plenty of football to go I’m sure there will be better days ahead.

Date: 30/5/16Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

Inter OrangeWicklow Rovers 3 Dundrum 4

Our senior ladies team were involved in a very exciting tussle with Dundrum FC in the Whitegates last week. Dundrum have dropped down a couple of leagues so this was always going to be a tough assignment for the girls. Rovers were the quickest out of the traps and were rewarded with the opening goal when Niamh O'Brien was quick to react with a neat finish to put the girls one up. The Dublin side were back on level terms soon after but the girls didn't let this get them down, they took the game to their opponents forcing their keeper into a couple of good saves. Rovers keeper Tara Quinn came to her sides rescue on a couple of occasions when she produced two excellent saves. The girls went in front for the second time when Rachel ''The goal machine'' Bolger opened her account for the season when she cut in from the right leaving the defenders in her wake before powerfully blasting past the advancing keeper. Rovers went in at the break 2-1 up, a lead that was fully deserved on their first half performance. The Dublin side came out in the second half fully intent on pushing Rovers back and that's exactly what they did. They camped in Rovers half and it was Saoirse O'Reilly at the heart of the Rovers defence that intervened with some strong and well timed challenges to keep them at bay, when they did find a way past Tara Quinn was inspired pulling off two good saves. Eventually the pressure did tell and Dundrum levelled the game with a header from a corner. Dundrum added another couple of goals to race into a 4-2 lead. To the girls credit they never dropped their heads and they battled their way back into the game when the goal machine Rachel Bolger scored her second and Rovers third to make the last few minutes tense. Try that the girls did they couldn't breach the Dundrum defence again but on this performance there is definitely better days ahead for the team. On the night everyone gave it their all but a special mention goes to Tara Quinn who pulled off four excellent saves and Saoirse O'Reilly who was tower of strength at the heart of the Rovers defence.

Our senior ladies team went down 5-2 away to Firhouse Carmel in the first round of the DWSL shield last week, the girls definitely didn't get the rub of the green in this game with nothing going their way at any stage during the match. To their credit they never dropped their heads and battled right up to the final whistle. Crucial decisions went against them at important times throughout the match. Rachel "The Goal Machine" Bolger fired home both Rovers goals. On the night Rachel, Charmaine Higgins and Bridget O'Reilly who was playing her first game between the posts were excellent for Rovers. Finally we would like to wish Rachel a speedy recovery from a knee injury she suffered in the game.

Date: 4/7/16Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

Inter OrangeWicklow Rovers 5 Enniskerry 10

There were goals a plenty in the Whitegates last week when our senior ladies took on another team who have dropped down to their league in the shape of Enniskerry. The girls lost 10-5 but in truth this game could have ended up 10-10 as the girls did have other chances. Both teams looked like scoring everytime they attacked. The goal machine Rachel Bolger was at it again with a superbly taken hat-trick, the impressive Niamh O'Brien added a brace. The girls were more than a match for their opponents and never gave up, if the girls can gain that little bit more experience they will trouble most teams. On the night Niamh O'Brien, Lucy McGettigan, Saoirse O'Reilly and Hannah Cox stood out for Rovers. Heads up girls, that elusive first win is just around the corner.

Date: 11/7/16Comp: LeagueVenue: Brickfield ParkKick Off: 7.15pm

Inter OrangeMourne Celtic 3 Wicklow Rovers 1

The senior ladies travelled to take on Mourne Celtic last week and unfortunately they lost out on a 3-1 scoreline. To say the girls were unlucky is an under statement. In a game where the girls were excellent they were undone by some strange decisions. The girls gave it everything but sometimes things outside your control go against you. Rachel " The Goal Machine " Bolger fired home the Rovers goal. Lucy McGettigan was excellent up front in the first half and continued to impress when she moved into the middle of the park. Charmine Higgins was outstanding driving her team on with Chloe Brennan impressing on her return to action in her first game of the season. Hard luck girls but by all accounts every player gave a hundred percent and soon or later you will get the rewards your efforts deserve.

Date: 18/7/16Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

Inter OrangeWicklow Rovers 5 Shankill 1

Well last week saw our senior ladies team register their first win of the season and what a way to do it. Shankill came to the Whitegates with four wins and a draw in their first five games so the girls knew they were in for a tough match. The away side started off the better putting Rovers under pressure from the off. The first twenty five minutes solely belonged to the away side with Rovers limited to the odd break away. Saoirse O'Reilly was a rock at the centre of the Rovers defence, she came to her side's rescue on numerous occasions throwing her body on the line to block shots, her reading of the game was excellent as she intercepted most of the away team's attacking play. Rovers worked their way into the game and took the lead when the goal machine Rachel Bolger fired home. Shankill levelled soon after but the home side retook the lead when the impressive Niamh O'Brien scored. The impressive Rovers team were now showing plenty of confidence as they attacked their opponents, Saoirse O'Reilly took the ball out of defence and played a defence splitting pass to Rachel Bolger who clinically fired into the bottom left hand corner. Lucy McGettigan was outstanding in her display in the engine room in the middle of the park covering every blade of grass, with thirteen minutes left Niamh O'Brien won the ball out on the right, she cut in leaving two defenders in her wake before powerfully blasting past the advancing keeper into the roof of the net. The goal of the game came in the dying minutes when Niamh O'Brien completed her hat-trick when she showed Messi like skills as she dragged the ball past the defender and then delicately chipped the keeper. The girls ran out 5-1 winners.

Date: 20/7/16Comp: ShieldVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

DWSL ShieldWicklow Rovers 2 Shankill 7

Two days later the girls went down 7-2 to an excellent Shankill side. Only 48 hours earlier the girls defeated the same opposition 5-1 in the league which just goes to show there's an element of truth in the saying "That football is a funny old game". The girls were down a couple of regulars but to be honest they never reached the heights of their previous game. Rachel "Goal Machine" Bolger gave Rovers the lead but that's as good as it got. One of the Shankill player s had to be removed to hospital after a nasty looking injury. This seemed to galvanize the away side as for the rest of the game they totally dominated proceedings hitting Rovers for seven. The girls huffed and puffed but made very little inroads on the Shankill defence. When they did break through it was yet again the prolific Rachel Bolger who found the back of the net for her second of the game. This was a disappointing result for Rovers after such an impressive display on the Monday night but a lot of credit has to be given to the Shankill girls as they came out with the determination and attitude of rectifying the result from Monday. On the night Rovers best players were two players who went into the game carrying niggling injuries, yet again Saoirse O'Reilly led by example, her determination and will to win was second to none and was definitely Rovers best player on the night while up front Rachel Bolger proves yet again how valuable she is to the team with another brace of goals to her tally. Finally everyone at Wicklow Rovers AFC would like to wish Hannah from the Shankill team a speedy recovery from the injury she picked up in the game, we all wish you well and hope your back on the playing pitch very soon.

Date: 25/7/16Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

Inter OrangeWicklow Rovers 4 Firhouse Carmel 2

Our senior ladies took on Firhouse Carmel in the Whitegates last week in what proved to be a highly entertaining game with both sides playing some attractive football. Rovers were first to threaten when Rachel Bolger fired narrowly wide after two minutes. A minute later Rovers went in front when Niamh O'Brien raced onto a through ball to coolly slot the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net. On the quarter hour mark the away side levelled matters when they fired home in a crowded goalmouth scramble. It was 1-1 and all to play for, both sides had half chances to go in front but neither side could capitilise. After thirty minutes Niamh O'Brien notched number two with a copy cat finish of the opening goal to make it 2-1. A minute later it could have been three when Louise Johnson put Rachel Bolger in but she was denied by the keeper. Five minutes before the break Natasha Fitzgerald put the "goal machine" Bolger in on goal who clinically finished with a neat lob over the keeper for her thirteenth goal of the season to send the girls in 3-1 up at the break. The second half saw the away side make the early running putting Rovers under severe pressure. The back four of Anne O'Neill, Saoirse O'Reilly, Louise Johnson and Nicolle Hubbard were excellent and were in no mood to be breached. When they did find away past the Rovers rearguard they found Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal in inspired form topped off by a top class save on fifty four minutes to push the ball away at full stretch to preserve a two goal cushion for the girls. With fifteen minutes remaining Hannah Cox out on the right sent Niamh O'Brien away on the right, O'Brien won the race with the last defender and then coolly rounded the keeper to tap home Rovers fourth and complete her hat-trick on the night to bring her tally for the season to nine. Firhouse scored their second with four minutes left with a fierce shot from the left side of the area. Rovers saw out the remainder of the game to run out 4-2 winners in what was a highly entertaining and sporting encounter. Every player played their part in a very good win, on the night Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal was excellent, the rearguard of Anne O'Neill, Saoirse O'Reilly, Louise Johnson and Nicolle Hubbard were rock solid with Natasha Fitzgerald on the left side of midfield been very effective when defending and attacking. A special mention goes to Anna Doyle who came on and made two very important interceptions. Overall it was a tremendous team display from the girls. Also well done to team manager Mandy O'Neill who is putting in such great work and giving a lot of time to the girl’s team. SQUAD: Charmine Higgins, Anne O'Neill, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly, Hannah Cox, Chloe Brennan, Deirbhla Geraghty, Natasha Fitzgerald, Niamh O'Brien, Rachel Bolger, Lucy McGettigan, Anna Doyle, Emily O'Dowd, Bridget O'Reilly, Katie O'Connor.

Date: 8/8/16Comp: LeagueVenue: Bushy ParkKick Off: 7.15pm

Inter OrangeTerenure FC 3 Wicklow Rovers 2

Our senior ladies were in action away to Terenure last week, after a tremendous display from the whole team the girls were delivered a cruel blow in the 89th minute when the home side nabbed the winner to win 3-2. Rovers were slow to get into their stride and they were punished when the home side went 2-0 up in the first fifteen minutes. This seemed to be the spur the Rovers ladies needed, they went from been second to every ball to taking control of the game, on twenty eight minutes Niamh O'Brien fed the ball out to Rachel Bolger on the left, Rachel ran at the home defence drawing out two defenders before squaring the ball to Natasha Fitzgerald who slotted home. A minute later Rovers were level, a long ball from keeper Charmaine Higgins found Natasha Fitzgerald who sent Rachel Bolger through on goal and the "goal machine" was as lethal as ever coolly lobbing the advancing keeper to square up the match. Rovers were dealt a cruel blow in the first minute of the second period when they lost top scorer Rachel Bolger through a knee injury. The home side went close twice in a couple of minutes but they found Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal in inspired form pulling off two top class saves. The best chances in the second half actually fell to Rovers, first Hannah Cox found Niamh O'Brien who beat the offside trap, she rounded the keeper but her effort was cleared off the line by a covering defender. Nicole Hubbard also went close but her effort was blocked by the keeper. Two more cruel blows were delivered to the girls in the dying seconds, first Terenure scored a scrappy winner and then the girls lost influential centre back Saoirse O'Reilly through injury. Football can be a cruel game sometimes, this was a game which the girls deserved to get something from against a good Terenure side but were cruelly denied a share of the spoils and then picking up injuries to two players. In truth the girls were excellent all over the pitch but a few players come in for a special mention. Yet again Charmaine Higgins was excellent between the posts, Saoirse O'Reilly was a rock at the centre of defence forming a consistent partnership with Louise Johnson. In the middle of the park Lucy McGettigan would be a good advert for the the duracell bunny, she ran and ran and ran, she covered every blade of grass on the pitch. Finally two girls who were highly impressive tonight were Anna Doyle and Emily O'Dowd, both girls were introduced as subs, Anna came on at left full back and was equally impressive going forward as she was defending. Emily was excellent on the left side of midfield combining well with Anna to cancel out Terenure's dangerous right side. Finally we would like to send get well wishes to both Rachel and Saoirse, hope the injuries are not too bad and we see you both back on the playing field soon. SQUAD: Charmine Higgins, Anne O'Neill, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly, Hannah Cox, Deirbhla Geraghty, Lucy McGettigan, Natasha Fitzgerald, Rachel Bolger, Niamh O'Brien, Anna Doyle, Emily O'Dowd, Bridget O'Reilly, Katie O'Connor.

Date: 12/9/16Comp: LeagueVenue: BerryfieldKick Off: 6.30pm

DWSL Inter OrangeEnniskerry 3 Wicklow Rovers 0

The senior ladies took on second in the table Enniskerry tonight at a dark damp Berryfield. When the sides last met Enniskerry fired ten past the girls but even though the girls were very much understrength tonight they gave a hundred percent in a 3-0 defeat. With a bit more composure in front of goal the girls could have had a couple of goals themselves. In the fourth minute Niamh O'Brien homed in on goal but was denied by the keeper. Two minutes later Nicole Hubbard saw her shot go just wide. Enniskerry had a lot of the ball but the Rovers defence was limiting them to half chances. When they did get through on goal Charmaine Higgins pulled off two excellent saves. With the half drawing to a close Enniskerry went in front with a cracking goal. Early in the second half Niamh O'Brien went on a solo run taking on three defenders and firing just wide. Enniskerry added two goals in a five minute spell to kill off the game, to the girls credit they didn't drop their heads as they dug in and battled right up to the final whistle. On the night the team put in a whole hearted performance, some players to come in for a special mention tonight were Charmaine Higgins who again and again provides her defence with confidence with another excellent performance between the posts. Even at fifty percent fitness Saoirse O'Reilly led by example and drove her team mates on. Louise Johnson went about her job quietly and effectively and was excellent in the challenge. Up front Niamh O'Brien was a constant torment to the physically bigger Enniskerry defenders. Finally but not the least the duracell bunny better known as Lucy McGettigan was everywhere. Where she gets the energy from is unbelievable. She covered every blade of grass on the pitch, was a terrier in the challenges and she linked the play well from defence to attack.SQUAD: Charmaine Higgins, Anne O'Neill, Anna Doyle, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly,Natasha Fitzgerald, Lucy McGettigan, Chloe Brennan, Hannah Cox, Niamh O'Brien, Nicole Hubbard, Emily O'Dowd, Shauna Dickenson, Maggie Malone, Katie O'Connor, Bridget O'Reilly.

Date: 19/9/16Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

DWSL Inter OrangeWicklow Rovers 3 Mourne Celtic 2

Our senior ladies played their first game under lights tonight and what a cracking game it was. The girls took on Mourne Celtic and they were looking to gain a win against a side they lost 3-1 away to earlier in the season. It was the away side who made the early running but the Rovers defence of Anne O'Neill, Saoirse O'Reilly, Louise Johnson and Nicole Hubbard held firm, when they were breached Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal came to their rescue with a fine save at her front post. The girls weathered the early pressure and on ten minutes they carved out their first chance of note which resulted with Rovers going in front. Lucy McGettigan put a pin point pass to put Niamh O'Brien away on goal, her powerful effort was pushed away by the keeper but the alert Natasha Fitzgerald was on hand to fire the breaking ball to the back of the net to put the girls 1-0 up. Just on the half hour mark a move involving Nicole Hubbard, Anna Doyle and Chloe Brennan found Natasha Fitzgerald on the right, Natasha in turn put Niamh O'Brien in on goal and she clinically finished past the advancing keeper. After thirty six minutes Mourne pulled a goal back to put the game in the melting pot. The girls showed their mental strength as they restored their two goal advantage when Natasha Fitzgerald latched onto a Shauna Dickenson pass to fire past the keeper to make it 3-1. The early part of the second half saw both defences holding firm. The away side nearly got one back on sixty seven minutes but it was a great challenge from full back Anne O'Neill who saved the day. With eight minutes remaining the Dublin side scored their second to make it a grand stand finish. The girls battled right to the final whistle and stood up well to a spell of late pressure. The whole team were excellent on the night, Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal was as reliable as ever. The defence of Anne O'Neill, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly and Nicole Hubbard were rock solid when put under pressure. The starting midfield four of Lucy McGettigan, Chloe Brennan, Anna Doyle and Hannah Cox were tireless in their work across the middle. Up front the twin strike force of Natasha Fitzgerald and Niamh O'Brien were a handful to contain, add to that they shared the three goals between them it was a good shift from the two strikers. Shauna Dickenson provided some nice touches when introduced and one of those touches was a neat assist for the third goal. Emily O'Dowd was also sprung from the bench and she teamed up well down the left wing with her team mates. It has to be said this was a squad effort with the encouragement from Katie O'Connor, Maggie Malone, Rachel Bolger and Bridget O'Reilly from the dugout helping spur their team mates on to victory. Finally if I was pushed to give a player of the match I don't think there would be any disputing that Nicole Hubbard was excellent on the night and fully deserving of the nomination. Nicole was excellent in the tackle and seemed to get stronger as the game went on. She linked well with the midfielders and was involved in a lot of what was good about this Rovers performance tonight. I definitely could not remember at any stage where her opponent got past her. Finally well done to manager Mandy O'Neill, she gets a lot from the girls and also knows when to give the hard talk. The performances from the girls week in week out show the respect the players have for their manager. Well done girls on a great win.SQUAD: Charmaine Higgins, Anne O'Neill, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly, Hannah Cox, Anna Doyle, Lucy McGettigan, Chloe Brennan, Natasha Fitzgerald, Niamh O'Brien, Shauna Dickenson, Emily O'Dowd, Maggie Malone, Katie O'Connor, Bridget O'Reilly.

Date: 26/9/16Comp: FriendlyVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7pm

FriendlyWicklow Rovers 1 Cabinteely 3

The senior ladies took on Cabinteely last night at the Whitegates. This game was always going to be good test for the girls as Cabinteely ply their trade in the league above them, incidentally they actually sit proudly top of their league boasting a one hundred percent record with one game remaining so a good test was on the cards. Rovers were the quickest out of the traps and could easily have been two or three up inside the first fifteen minutes. Rachel 'The Goal Machine' Bolger went close in the very first minute but her effort shaved the outside of the post. Three minutes later Niamh O'Brien put Rachel in on goal again, this time the away keeper pulled off a magnificent save to deny Rovers the lead.On thirteen minutes Nicole Hubbard's long ball out of defence put Niamh O'Brien away but her shot just faded out the wrong side of the upright. Cabinteely slowly worked their way into the game and it was only the brilliance of Charmaine Higgins between the posts for Rovers that prevented the away side going in front after thirty minutes when she got down low at her near post to turn the ball away. The side went in at the breal level at 0-0. Yet again it was Rovers who started the quickest when they went in front in the first minute of the second period, an Anne O'Neill pass found Natasha Fitzgerald who in turn picked out Niamh O'Brien who coolly rounded the keeper and slotted home from a tight angle, a lead they well deserved. Cabinteely levelled in the fifty second minute of the game, from this point it was end to end with both sides creating half chances.Valentine Lenoir who was making her debut for Rovers was dictating a lot of the good Rovers attacking play and she was unlucky to see an effort turned away by the keeper after a fine solo run. Unfortunately for the girls they conceded two late goals in the 87th and 90th minutes to lose out 3-1. All in all the girls can be very happy with their performance against the higher ranked Cabinteely outfit, they matched their opponents through out the game and definitely deserved to get something from the match. On the night the whole team put in a tremendous display, player of the match goes to newcomer Valentine Lenoir, she was excellent going forward from midfield linking up well with her strikers while been equally as impressive with her covering back to help her defence. Everyone involved with the club would like to wish Rachel Bolger a speedy recovery form a serious injury she picked up in the game, we all hope to see here grace the playing fields again very soon, get well soon Rachel. Finally a big thanks to Robbie Dover who helped out by refereeing the match, thanks Robbie.SQUAD: Charmaine Higgins, Anne O'Neill, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly, Hannah Cox, Katie O'Connor, Chloe Brennan, Lucy McGettigan, Rachel Bolger, Niamh O'Brien, Natasha Fitzgerald, Valentine Lenoir, Emily O'Dowd.

Date: 2/10/16Comp: LeagueVenue: Meadowbrook ParkKick Off: 2.30pm

DWSL Inter OrangeDundrum 6 Wicklow Rovers 2

Our senior ladies were away yesterday to title contenders Dundrum. Rovers were down a couple of key players for their tussle with the league leaders. It was Rovers who were out if the starting blocks the quickest with Niamh O'Brien going close in the very first minute. Then on five minutes Rovers were in front, a neat passing move involving Chloe Brennan, Hannah Cox and Natasha Fitzgerald set the nippy Niamh O'Brien away on goal, Niamh rounded the keeper and fired home from an acute angle to put the girls one up. A minute later the impressive Valentine Lenoir fired just over. The home side levelled matters in the ninth minute when the Rovers rearguard failed on three occasions to clear the ball to let Dundrum in for a soft equaliser. Two goals in a minute at the midway point of the half put Dundrum in the driving seat but yet again it was simple mistakes that led to the goals. The girls did show their character by pulling one back to make it 3-2, Valentine Lenoir sent a beautiful pass into Niamh O'Brien who found Natasha Fitzgerald who swept the ball to the net. The girls went in at half time still very much in the game at 3-2, the second half was eight minutes old when Dundrum scored their fourth from a corner when the unmarked Dundrum player fired to the roof of the net. The girls never really recovered from this and conceded two further goals to lose out 6-2. On the day a lot of the girls never reached the high standards they have set themselves, we were second to the ball in a lot of areas but then everyone has an off day. Players that stood out for Rovers on the day were Charmaine Higgins in the goals, she was not at fault for any of the goals and produced a couple of superb saves. Chloe Brennan worked tirelessly in the centre of the park with the nippy Niamh O'Brien causing havoc in the Dundrum rearguard and was a little unlucky not to add to her goal. For the second game running though player of the match goes to Valentine Lenoir, she was everywhere on the pitch, her range of skills are excellent and she bemused her opponents on several occasions, she got a bit of rough treatment but dusted herself down and kept producing a high standard of football, she was not only Rovers best player on the day, she was the stand out performer on the pitch.SQUAD: Charmaine Higgins, Anne O'Neill, Nicole Hubbard, Saoirse O'Reilly, Louise Johnson, Hannah Cox, Valentine Lenoir, Chloe Brennan, Katie O'Connor, Niamh O'Brien, Natasha Fitzgerald, Deirbhle Geraghty, Maggie Malone, Anna Doyle, Emily O'Dowd

Date:5/10/16Comp: LeagueVenue: Shanganagh ParkKick Off: 6pm

DWSL Inter OrangeShankill 2 Wicklow Rovers 1

The senior ladies were away to Shankill FC tonight, the home side drew first blood when on twelve minutes a Shankill player ghosted in at the back post unmarked to blast to the roof of the Rovers net. On twenty four minutes Shankill increased their lead with another powerful strike. This seemed to knock the Rovers girls into action as their response was immediate, within a minute they hit back, some neat interlinking passing between Valentine Lenoir and Niamh O'Brien found Natasha Fitzgerald at the back post and she fired home to get Rovers back into the match. The remaining minutes of the half were uneventful as neither side created a chance of note. In the tenth minute of the second half Charmaine Higgins pulled off an excellent save diving full stretch to turn the ball away. In the fifty seventh minute Natasha Fitzgerald found Niamh O'Brien whose shot was saved by the keeper. A minute later O'Brien returned the favour to Fitzgerald but Natasha's effort crept just wide of the post. In the dying minutes Charmaine Higgins showed her excellent goalkeeping skills pulling off two outstanding saves in as many minutes to keep her side in the game. Unfortunately the girls couldn't find an equaliser as the game petered out with Shankill winning 2-1. On the night the girls played well in patches, Saoirse O'Reilly led by example and her partnership with Louise Johnson was solid at the centre of defence, Maggie Maloney battled hard on the left wing, upfront the twin strike force of Natasha Fitzgerald and Niamh O'Brien worked hard but just too many times they were left isolated. Player of the match tonight goes to Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal, her handling was excellent and she installs confidence in her team mates with her consistent performances between the posts, add to this she produced three fantastic saves to leave her as a worthy nomination.SQUAD: Charmaine Higgins, Anne O'Neill, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly, Hannah Cox, Chloe Brennan, Valentine Lenoir, Maggie Maloney, Niamh O'Brien, Natasha Fitzgerald, Lucy McGettigan, Anna Doyle, Katie O'Connor, Emily O'Dowd.

Date: 10/10/16Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

DWSL Inter OrangeWicklow Rovers 4 Terenure 2

The senior ladies went into the final game of their season looking to finish on a high when they entertained Terenure at the Whitegates tonight and what a game it was. Both sides produced an entertaining game for the watching public on a cold night. Rovers showed their intent in the very first minute when Niamh O'Brien laid the ball into the path of Valentine Lenoir who fired just wide. Valentine returned the compliment to Niamh in the fifteenth minute but Niamh's effort was well saved. The pressure was building on the Terenure defence as the midfield quartet of Hannah Cox, Chloe Brennan, Valentine Lenoir and Anna Doyle dictated play. These four players combined in the twenty fifth minute to set Niamh O'Brien away down the left and just when everyone thought Niamh had run too wide she fired an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle to give Rovers a deserved lead. Terenure were dangerous on the break and two minutes after taking the lead the girls found themselves pegged back when the away team put a good move together to level matters. Rovers piled forward with Hannah Cox combining well with Natasha Fitzgerald to set up Niamh O'Brien but her effort was turned away by the trailing defender. Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal was acting as a sweeper as on several occasions she came racing off her line to mop up any danger. Disaster struck just before the break when Terenure went in front to send them in at the break 2-1 up. The girls came out in the second period in determined fashion and were in no mood to be denied a winning end to the season. On the hour mark they were level, Chloe Brennan found Valentine Lenoir whose slide rule pass split the away defence wide open to find the onrushing Niamh O'Brien who coolly curled the ball around the advancing keeper to square the game up at 2-2. A minute later Rovers were denied the lead by the woodwork, a surging run by left full Nicole Hubbard who then found Niamh O'Brien whose effort struck the upright. With fifteen minutes remaining Niamh O'Brien raced onto a through ball and delicately chipped the ball over the keeper to complete her hat-trick and make it 3-2. Terenure pushed forward in search of an equaliser but the Rovers rearguard of Anne O'Neill, Saoirse O'Reilly, Louise Johnson and Nicole Hubbard were rock solid with Charmaine Higgins not having a save to make in the second half. With three minutes left Niamh O'Brien added her fourth to put the icing on the cake of a very impressive team display. On the night Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal was alert especially in the first half when she mopped up the Terenure through balls. The defence of Anne O'Neill, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly and Nicole Hubbard were rock solid through out. The midfield of Chloe Brennan, Hannah Cox, Valentine Lenoir and Anna Doyle controlled the game for long periods putting in a good shift. Maggie Maloney when introduced did an excellent job in marking the Terenure danger girl, not giving her an inch which was a telling contribution to the game, the twin strike force off Niamh O'Brien and Natasha Fitzgerald worked well together causing havoc in the away defence. When a player scores four goals in a game it would be hard not to give her player of the match, so on a night when every player on the team were impressive the player of the match must go to Niamh O'Brien for her clinical finishing. Big thanks also goes to Katie O'Connor, Rachel Bolger, Emily O'Dowd and Brigid O'Reilly for their encouraging support from the line. Finally but not the least well done to manager Mandy O'Neill who has put together a fine squad of dedicated players who give everything for their team and manager. Well done Mandy and the girls, roll on next season.SQUAD: Charmaine Higgins, Anne O'Neill, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Saoirse O'Reilly, Anna Doyle, Chloe Brennan, Valentine Lenoir, Hannah Cox, Niamh O'Brien, Natasha Fitzgerald, Maggie Maloney, Katie O'Connor.

Rovers first game of the season took place at Whitegates tonight when the lads entertained Yellowstone Celtic FC. The lads got off to the worst possible start when they fell behind after four minutes. They shook off the disappointment of falling behind to level the game on thirteen minutes. Rikki Quinn slipped Maurice Dunne in on goal and he duly finished to the net. Twenty one minutes were gone when Maurice Dunne and Mark O'Sullivan combined to put in Sean Tobin who slotted past the advancing keeper to go 2-1 up. The away side went close on thirty seven minutes with an effort just wide. The lads saw out the half to go in at the break 2-1 in front. The first few minutes of the second period were quiet enough with neither side carving out a chance of note. On fifty nine minutes a lovely through ball from Mark Johnson set Gareth Murphy away down the right, he swung the ball over to the back post where the onrushing Rikki Quinn was denied by the keeper. In the sixty third minute the lads created two good chances in the space of a minute. First a move involving Maurice Dunne, Gareth Murphy and Rikki Quinn ended with Quinn firing just wide. Then Alan Delaney pounced on a Gareth Murphy cross but his effort shaved the outside of the upright. Rovers increased their lead on sixty seven minutes and it was richly deserved. Davy Rowan and Alan Delaney combined to set Mikey Delaney away on the left, Delaney cut in and fired a sweet shot into the right hand corner of the net to make it 3-1. On sixty nine minutes Maurice Dunne was presented with a great chance to put the game beyond the away side but his effort was straight at the keeper. With six minutes left on the clock Yellowstone pulled one back with a thunderbolt from twenty yards to set the game up for a nail bitting finish. The away side pressed seeking the equaliser but the lads held out firm to gain a well deserved three points on the balance of play. On the night it was hard to pick out a man of the match as it was a good all round team performance. When push comes to shove you would have to toss a coin between Mark Johnson and Rikki Quinn who both got through some work and challenges in the middle of the park. Overall it was a good team performance and a good start to the season.TEAM : Shane Doyle, David Rowan, Michael Delaney, Leonard Carton, Mark Delaney, Mark O'Sullivan, Mark Johnson, Rikki Quinn, Maurice Dunne, Sean Tobin, Alan Delaney. SUBS: (Gareth Murphy for Sean Tobin 58 mins), (Luke Byrne for Alan Delaney 68 mins), (Ian Brannigan for Mikey Delaney 75 mins), (James Foley for Mark Johnson 81 mins), Brian Byrne, Daryl Sullivan.

Date: 1/9/17Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.30pm

Leinster Senior Legue Major 1 SundayWicklow Rovers 1 Larkview Boys 2

The seniors went into nights game looking to get back to winning ways but unfortunately it wasn't to be. After ten minutes Rovers first effort saw Mark Johnson unleash a powerful effort but a block from a defender took the sting out of it. On fifteen minutes the away side fired narrowly wide. In the nineteenth minute the away side went in front with a neat finish. Rovers probed looking for an equaliser and on thirty six minutes they came very close, Ian Brannigan started a flowing move involving several Rovers players, Ian Brannigan at the end of the move delicately played the ball into Maurice Dunne's path who skimmed the crossbar with his shot. Two minutes later the Rovers keeper was called on to make an excellent save. Right on the stroke of half time Rovers had a gilt edged chance to draw level but Alan Delaney's effort sailed over. The second half saw the lads come out all guns blazing, taking the game to the away side. Two minutes into the half Gareth Murphy was denied by a last ditch challenge, a minute later Rikki Quinn set Gareth Murphy in again but this time his shot sneaked past the far post from an acute angle. At this stage it was all Rovers and they were creating several chances. From one of those chances Rovers deservingly drew level. With sixty one minutes on the clock a Rovers corner was pulled back to Davy Rowan, he in turn swung a delicious cross to the back post where Mark O'Sullivan powered home a header to square the match at 1-1. The home side were on top and creating chances but disaster struck on seventy four minutes when the away side broke upfield and went in front totally against the run of play. Rovers pushed forward in search of an equaliser but found the away side a tough nut to crack. Peter Finnegan did go close with an effort on seventy eight minutes but unluckily for the lads it just went the wrong side of the upright. In the dying seconds of the game Ian Brannigan had an effort from the edge of the area blocked and cleared. The lads put in a good shift tonight especially in the second half against a very good side. The lads definitely deserved at the very least a share of the spoils. On the night Ian Brannigan, Rikki Quinn, Mark Delaney and Peter Finnegan stood out in a good all round team performance.Shane Doyle, Mark O'Sullivan, Ian Brannigan, Leonard Carton, Mark Delaney, Peter Finnegan, Mark Johnson, Rikki Quinn, Maurice Dunne, Gareth Murphy, Alan Delaney. SUBS : David Rowan for (Mark Johnson 37 mins), Luke Byrne for (Alan Delaney 60 mins), Jim Foley for (Mark O'Sullivan 85 mins), Daryl Sullivan, Greg Dunne.

The senior men went into action tonight at Whitegates without the services of three or four regulars. After a quiet opening the first chance of note came to the away side after seven minutes when they fired in a long distance free that was saved comfortably by the Rovers keeper. Rovers first opportunity came after twenty six minutes when a Maurice Dunne free kick was turned away. Ten minutes later Ian Brannigan powered an effort from thirty yards out just over the bar. It was a half of little in the way of clear cut chances with the half petering out scoreless. Three minutes into the second period disaster struck for Rovers when the away side went in front. In the fifty third minute Rovers went close to squaring the game up when Peter Finnegan fired narrowly wide. The home sides task was made even more difficult when they were reduced to ten men on fifty nine minutes. Things got worse for the lads in the sixty fourth minute when a mistake let the away side in for number two to give the lads a mountain to climb. With fourteen minutes left a Peter Finnegan effort was saved well by the away keeper. The ten men to their credit were pushing forward looking to reduce the deficit, Mikey Delaney was just off target with thirteen minutes left. An excellent corner from Ian Brannigan evaded every player inside the six yard box when the slightest of touches would have meant a certain goal. In injury time the away side broke upfield and added a third. In truth Rovers huffed and puffed but never really got going in this game, the team never reached the standards they have set themselves. On the night Leonard Carton and Ian Brannigan impressed for Rovers.TEAM: Shane Doyle, Jim Foley, Ian Brannigan, Leonard Carton, Mark Delaney, Peter Finnegan, Mark Johnson, Mikey Delaney, Alan Delaney, Maurice Dunne, Gareth Murphy. SUBS: (Sean Tobin for Mark Delaney 58 mins); (Bryan Doyle for Alan Delaney 63 mins); (Daryl Sullivan for Jim Foley 68 mins); Greg Dunne.

The senior men were in action in the first round of the Leinster Junior cup today when they entertained Callan United from Kilkenny at Whitegates. The lads started the game on the front foot creating several clear cut openings. Gareth Murphy was the first to try his luck but he could only watch on as his eleventh minute effort just went the wrong side of the upright. A minute later Peter Finnegan put Murphy through on goal but the keeper did well to block. On twenty minutes Sean Tobin beat his marker wide on the right and then fed the ball back to Maurice Dunne who let fly only to see his shot rebound away to safety off the post. Then Peter Finnegan rattled the top of the crossbar with an effort from the edge of the penalty area. In the twenty sixth minute Sean Tobin and Maurice Dunne combined to set up Mark Johnson but his shot from distance was just wide of the target. On one of their odd flurries upfield Callan went close to going in front against the run of play when after thirty one minutes they shaved the outside of the upright with a fierce shot from wide on the right. Rovers went down field from the kick out, Sean Tobin picked out Peter Finnegan whose shot was parried away by the Callan keeper. With thirty seven minutes on the clock Mark Johnson's beautiful angled pass found Bryan Doyle out on the left, Doyle cut in and unleashed an effort which sailed just over. Rovers were continuing on the front foot putting the visitors under severe pressure and it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken and true enough it came on thirty eight minutes. Peter Finnegan gave a neat pass to Maurice Dunne who in turn picked out Gareth Murphy with a pass to split open the Callan defence, Murphy rounded the advancing keeper to slot home despite the attention of the covering defender. Two minutes before the interval Rovers made it 2-0 when Mark O'Sullivan finished off a great Rovers move to put the lads in a commanding position going in at the break. The lads came out in the second period in the same vein pushing their opponents back, Bryan Doyle and Maurice Dunne combined after fifty minutes to set up Gareth Murphy but his delicate flick was pushed away by the keeper. Two minutes later the game was put to bed when Maurice Dunne curled a shot into the far right corner of the net from the edge of the area to make it 3-0. On the hour mark it was 4-0, this time it was Alan Delaney when he powerfully rifled the ball to the roof of the net. On seventy minutes Byran Doyle cut in from the left and let fly but his effort was parried away by the keeper but it was Mark Johnson who got the chance to show off his chicken dance celebration when he slotted home the breaking ball to make it 5-0. The away sides only chance of note in the second half saw Shane Doyle in the Rovers goal produce an excellent save. With fifteen minutes remaining Luke Byrne made it six when he raced through, rounded the keeper and fired home. There was still time for another and that came from Peter Finnegan who ran at the away defence ghosting past two players and calmly slotting pass the advancing keeper to make it 7-0. The Rovers management would have to be pleased with this performance and will be hoping the lads can bring this form into their league campaign. The defence of keeper Shane Doyle, defenders Mark O'Sullivan, Mikey Delaney, Ian Brannigan and Leonard Carton were solid through out and kept a clean sheet. Further upfield our midfield controlled the game and were ably supported by our forward players. The other positive that would please the management was there was seven different goalscorers. An excellent all round team performance from the lads with everyone playing their part in a game where the lads could have reached double figures.

The senior men welcomed league leaders Doddervale/Orwell Utd FC to Whitegates tonight. The lads were hoping to follow up last week's impressive away draw with second placed Castleknock Celtic with a win against the table toppers. The game didn't start off too well for Rovers with the away side making the early running. The Dublin side went close on twelve minutes shooting narrowly wide. On the quarter hour mark Doddervale/Orwell Utd FC went in front when Rovers got caught in possession and they duly dispatched the ball to the back of the net. This seemed to be the wake up call Rovers needed as from this point onwards the lads took total control of the game. On twenty minutes Rovers were level, a long ball out from keeper Shane Doyle found Gareth Murphy wide on the right, Gareth raced past the last defender before firing past the advancing keeper. Three minutes later Maurice Dunne was unlucky to see his curling effort just go the wrong side of the top corner. In the twenty eighth minute Rovers hit the front, a perfectly weighted through ball from Bryan Doyle set the impressive Ciaran McGettigan away on the left wing, Ciaran used all his strength and speed to get away from his marker before neatly tucking the ball away to put Rovers 2-1 in front. Bryan Doyle nearly got himself on the scoresheet five minutes later when he hit a vicious left footed free kick that went narrowly wide. On thirty seven minutes Rovers increased their lead, a corner caused havoc in the away side's defence and when the breaking ball fell to Maurice Dunne on the edge of the eighteen yard box he made no mistake thundering home his shot to send the lads in at the break 3-1 up. The early part of the second period was going to be crucial as the lads were playing against a stiff breeze so they were hoping to weather the expected onslaught. But in fairness to the lads they knuckled down and it was them who made the better start to the second half. Five minutes into the half Rovers scored the all important next goal as they would say, Ciaran McGettigan made a terrific run down the right before squaring the ball to Gareth Murphy who slammed the ball to the net to make it 4-1. Rovers continued to manage the game well with the defence holding firm and keeper Shane Doyle acting as an extra sweeper reading the game well to come and capture any balls over the top. Doyle made an excellent save midway through the half to turn the ball around the post evading serious injury when he collided with the upright. Rovers were in control around the middle of the part with Tommy Kelly doing the simple things effectively for his team. With twenty minutes remaining Rovers put the icing on the cake and it couldn't have fell to a better recipient. The hard working Ciaran McGettigan did all his own work for this goal, he chased down the away defender before getting his body in the way to charge down the clearance, he then raced away and coolly and neatly placed the ball in the bottom corner of the net. This was a very impressive display from the team, the whole team worked hard through out the game with every player playing his part. Sometimes it's hard to select a man of the match but when push comes to shove we have to make the selection. From my point of view and l don't think there could be many arguments against my selection for man of the match tonight as l would go with Ciaran McGettigan. Ciaran led the line well, his willingness to run and close down for his team could never be questioned. For such a young man his strength and pace caused problems all night for the away defence. His hold up play was excellent, add to this he provided two well taken goals and also provided the assist for the fourth goal, a worthy recipient of man of the match. All in all it was an outstanding result and an excellent all round team performance, well done lads.

Comp: Leinster Junior CupVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.30pm

Leinster Junior Cup Third RoundWicklow Rovers 7 Naas United 1

The senior men sailed through to round four of the Leinster Junior Cup with a comprehensive 7-1 victory over Kildare side Naas United at Whitegates tonight. The lads went into an early lead when Tommy Kelly fired home but the lead didn't last long as Naas drew level a few minutes later. Gareth Murphy put Rovers back in front midway through the half and from this point onwards there was only going to be one winner. Jim Foley added two goals from penalties either side of the interval to make it 4-1. Ciaran McGettigan netted from a tight angle to make it 5-1 with Luke Byrne and Peter Finnegan nabbing a goal a piece to give the lads a resounding 7-1 win to book a meeting with the winners of Ayrfield United or Bunclody at Whitegates in the fourth round. This was an excellent all round team performance from the lads. Well done lads.

Date: 26/1/18Comp: LSL Major 1 SundayVenue: BerryfieldKick Off: 8pm

Leinster Senior Major 1 SundayEnniskerry YC 1 Wicklow Rovers 4

The senior men travelled to Berryfield to take on Enniskerry YC in an all county Wicklow tussle in the Leinster Senior League tonight. With both teams only separated by three points in the table with Rovers ahead in the standings this was going to be a very important encounter with both sides harbouring hopes of promotion. Wicklow came flying out of the traps with two goals in the space of a minute just after the ten minute mark. On eleven minutes Tommy Kelly fired Rovers in front with his second of the season, a minute later the scoring machine Gareth Murphy made it 2-0 which now means he has found the back of the net in all of Rovers last ten games. After twenty five minutes the home team got themselves back in the match when they halved the deficit. Rovers went in at the break 2-1 in front. The next goal in the second period was always going to be crucial and it was Rovers who supplied it with young Ciaran McGettigan nabbing his ninth goal in seven games to put Rovers in the driving seat. Rovers rounded off a very impressive victory with an injury time penalty from Gareth Murphy for his second of the game to put a dent in the home sides promotion hopes while putting themselves very much in the promotion mix up. This was a competitive game with the difference been that Wicklow were more clinical in front of goal to run out 4-1 winners.

Date: 2/2/18Comp: LSL Major 1 SundayVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.30pm

Leinster Senior Major 1 SundayWicklow Rovers 5 Trinity Donaghmede 1

The senior men welcomed league leaders Trinity Donaghmede to Whitegates last night. The lads were looking to close the gap on the leaders by claiming all three points and that's exactly what they did when they recorded a super 5-1 win. The lads fell behind after only nine minutes when the visitors centre forward tucked the ball away. But Rovers are playing with a lot of confidence this season and they showed that by levelling shortly afterwards. A Luke Byrne corner was dispatched to the net by the head of Lenny Carton to make it 1-1. The remainder of the half saw Rovers control the game without really threatening the visitors keeper. The lads did have a penalty claim waved away by the referee. The second half started with Rovers on the front foot and they were nearly rewarded when Gareth Murphy glanced an Adam Cox corner just wide. Rovers were dictating the play and it was no surprise when they took a deserved lead, yet another excellent delivery from a Luke Byrne corner was met by Tommy Kelly who sweetly struck a left foot shot to make it 2-1 to Rovers. The game went through a scrappy ten minute patch at the midway point of the half with neither side really having a chance of note. The lads did have a purple patch in the last fifteen minutes when they fired home three more goals. First it was Ciaran McGettigan who pounced on a breaking ball to slot home after some excellent work from Gareth Murphy. Soon after it was 4-1, McGettigan who was a constant thorn in the side of the visitors all night superbly rounded the centre half before clinically finishing for his second of the game and his eleventh of the season. Peter Finnegan put the icing on the cake in injury time when he neatly tucked the ball away from the edge of the area to give the lads an excellent 5-1 victory against the league leaders. This win moves the lads into third place in the league standings and puts them in great heart going into their big Leinster Junior Cup game next Friday night against Ayrfield United.

The senior men took on Ayrfield United in the fourth round of the Leinster Junior Cup tonight at Whitegates. When these two sides last met in early December at Whitegates Ayrfield won a high scoring game 6-3. Tonight it was completely different with a much tighter affair on view. The first half saw both defences very much on top. In saying that there was some neat football played by both sides but in the final third neither side could breach the defences. On four minutes Tommy Kelly came to Rovers rescue with a well timed tackle on the edge of the home teams area. Both sides had a couple of half chances with Tommy Kelly firing across the six yard box on twenty two minutes. On the stroke of half time Rovers central defender Ian Brannigan found himself in a dangerous position in the Ayrfield box but his effort went agonisingly wide of the post. The teams went in at the break at 0-0. Tommy Kelly got through some trojan work in the middle of the park with the Rovers defence of Mark O'Sullivan, Ian Brannigan, Davy Rowan and Mikey Delaney rock solid in the first period. Eight minutes into the second half the away side were reduced to ten men for an off the ball incident. In the fifty eighth minute Gareth Murphy was unlucky when the ball bounced away from him just as he was about to pull the trigger. On sixty seven minutes Gareth Murphy had a great chance when the keeper and defender got their communication all wrong with the ball breaking Murphy's way. The angle was tight and this allowed the defender to get back to block the wingers shot. A minute later Ciaran McGettigan caused havoc in the area ghosting past two defenders only to see his effort parried by the keeper. From the resulting break upfield the Dublin side went in front with a well taken finish. On seventy two minutes Shane Doyle kept Rovers in the tie with an excellent save. With nine minutes remaining Rovers came close to an equaliser when Luke Byrne swivelled and fired narrowly past the right hand post. With time running out and with a minute left of normal time Rovers notched a deserved leveller. McGettigan had the away defence in disarray when he ran at the heart of their defence which resulted in him been fouled and a penalty being awarded. Mikey Delaney showed nerves of steel as he stepped forward and powerfully slammed the ball in off the inside of the right hand post to square the game up and it was on to extra time. The first period of extra time didn't produce a chance of note and fitted in with pattern of most of the game, a tight tough affair played in great spirit. The second period of extra time was more of the same with both teams having claims for a penalty waved away by the referee. Shane Doyle did pull of a brave save at the feet of an Ayrfield player. After 110 minutes of tough football it was on to the dreaded penalty shootout. After a good start in the shootout with Peter Finnegan netting in the bottom right hand corner from the first penalty Rovers saw their next there penalties saved. Shane Doyle pulled off a magnificent save from the visitor's fourth penalty but the away side had already converted their first three which saw them win out 3-1 on penalties. It has to be said this was a measure of the improvement in the team since the last time the two sides met that it was only spot kicks that was the difference between them this time round. Rovers put in a good all round team performance on the night with Tommy Kelly getting my man of the match award for his industrious work around the pitch. He popped up everywhere in an effort to spur his side on. He helped out his defence while also popping up at the other end with a chance or two. But for his hard graft in the centre of the park alone is the reason he was a worthy man of the match.TEAM: Shane Doyle, Mark O'Sullivan, Mikey Delaney, Ian Brannigan, David Rowan, Adam Cox, Peter Finnegan, Tommy Kelly, Luke Byrne, Ciaran McGettigan, Gareth Murphy.SUBS : Bryan Doyle for (Ian Brannigan 61 minutes), Maurice Dunne for (Adam Cox 77 minutes), Alan Delaney, Jim Foley, Greg Dunne, Rikki Quinn, All not used.Date: 16/3/18Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.30pm

Rovers went into this game seeking all three points in a bid to keep them well in the title mix. When these sides last met early in the season it was the south Dublin side who came out on top defeating Rovers 2-1 in the second game of the campaign. The first half was deprived of anything in the way of clear cut chances with both teams cancelling each other out. The first chance of note came after thirteen minutes when Peter Finnegan fired over from the edge of the box. Two minutes later Mark O'Sullivan made a good run out on the left and his dangerous cross was cleared by the away defence. On eighteen minutes a long clearance from Rovers keeper Shane Doyle fell to Ciaran McGettigan whose stinging shot was straight at the keeper. Just before the break Alan Delaney pulled the ball back from the end line to pick out Maurice Dunne on the edge of the area but his shot sailed over into the night air. The teams went in at the break all square at 0-0 and it wasn't a surprise on the balance of play as neither keeper was really troubled. The second half saw Rovers playing into the clubhouse end of the ground and they showed their intent after two minutes of the restart when Gareth Murphy worked the keeper with a fine shot that the keeper done well to turn away. A minute later Rovers went in front, Murphy turned provider when he crossed from the right to find Ciaran McGettigan who fired home to give the home side a dream start to the second period. After fifty five minutes McGettigan and Murphy combined well to set up Alan Delaney but his effort didn't trouble the keeper. Rovers continued to pile forward in search of the insurance goal while always been wary of been hit on the break. With twenty minutes remaining McGettigan had a great chance but the Shankill keeper parried his shot away. A minute later Gareth Murphy attempted a cheeky chip but the keeper was alert to it. Rovers keeper Shane Doyle had a quiet night but in the seventy second minute he was called into action when he bravely saved at the feet of the Shankill striker to snuff out the danger. Rovers broke upfield and Ciaran McGettigan made a solo run but yet again the keeper denied him with another good save. Rovers were creating plenty of chances and the danger was always were they going to regret not taking them with Rathmichael Shankill capable of hitting Rovers on the break. Both Gareth Murphy and Ciaran McGettigan had chances to increase the Rovers lead but on both occasions the keeper denied them. Rovers finally nabbed the well deserved insurance goal with four minutes left on the clock. Luke Byrne who was introduced as a sixty third minute substitute got on the end of a Ciaran McGettigan through ball and Byrne made no mistake when he coolly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to ensure all three points were safely staying in the Whitegates. The icing was put on the cake in injury time when Byrne notched his second when he cut in from the right wing before powerfully blasting home to round off a well deserved 3-0 victory. The lads were slow to get into their stride on the night but when they did there was only going to be one winner. It was hard to pick a man of the match for Rovers on the night as there were a lot of good performances. As usual someone has to be nominated and I'm sure people's opinions will differ. Peter Finnegan and Tommy Kelly impressed in the middle of the park, Jim Foley, Mark O'Sullivan and Davy Rowan were solid at the back. Luke Byrne when introduced to the fray scored two well taken goals. But on the night Lenny Carton earns the man of the match nomination for the way he marshalled his defence so well, he was solid in defence and was a major player in making sure Shane Doyle had a relatively quiet night between the Rovers posts. He was assured on the ball and led by example. This was a valuable three points for Rovers and keeps them well in the title race with a couple of points separating several teams.TEAM: Shane Doyle, Mark O'Sullivan, Jim Foley, Leonard Carton, David Rowan, Tommy Kelly, Peter Finnegan, Alan Delaney, Maurice Dunne, Gareth Murphy, Ciaran McGettigan. SUBS: Luke Byrne for (Alan Delaney 63 mins), Rikki Quinn for (Jim Foley 75 mins), Mark Johnson for (Maurice Dunne 80 mins),Ian Brannigan, Greg Dunne.

Date: 13/4/18Comp: LeagueVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.30pm

Leinster Senior Major 1 SundayWicklow Rovers 3 Enniskerry YC 1

Rovers welcomed Enniskerry to Whitegates for what would be deemed as a local derby in a Leinster Senior Major 1 Sunday game. Rovers knew they needed to take all three points to remain firmly in the promotion battle and they had the first effort of note after six minutes when Ciaran McGettigan fired over from the left hand edge of the box. Enniskerry forced Rossa Marron into a good save a minute later when he got down low to save a powerful shot. The next twenty minutes saw a lot of the play in and around the middle third of the pitch. Rikki Quinn and Peter Finnegan were pivotal to all Rovers attacking play. It was an even first period with no quarter given by either side. After twenty seven minutes Rovers went in front when Gareth Murphy got on the end of a corner to head home. The lead didn't last long as the away side drew level when the Enniskerry forward delicately lobbed the advancing Marron to make it 1-1. Three minutes later Enniskerry were a shade unlucky when they rattled the woodwork. The teams went in at the break all square and on the balance of play this was probably a fair half time score. The second half was a totally different story as Rovers controlled the half. Four minutes after the restart the home side went in front, the impressive Rikki Quinn combined with Ciaran McGettigan to set Alan Delaney away on goal and Delaney made no mistake as he coolly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. Two minutes later Mark O'Sullivan had a great chance but his header at the back post just drifted wide of the target. On the hour mark the away team were reduced to ten men when one of their players received a second yellow card for dissent. Luke Byrne was introduced as a substitute after seventy minutes and he made an immediate impact, he twisted and turned two defenders before firing in a fierce shot which the netminder did well to parry away with Maurice Dunne firing the breaking ball into the side netting. With sixteen minutes left on the clock Adam Cox burst through the centre of the Enniskerry defence but his shot sailed over. On seventy six minutes Rovers had a great chance to seal the win when Ciaran McGettigan was bundled over in the area. Unfortunately for Rovers the resulting spot kick was lobbed over the bar by Adam Cox. At this stage of the game Rovers were firmly in charge and it was only a matter of time before the third came along. On seventy eight minutes McGettigan pulled the ball back from the end line to Gareth Murphy only to see his thunderous strike deflected away by the defender. A minute later Rovers were unlucky not to be awarded a second penalty when Ciaran McGettigan seemed to be fouled again inside the area. The home side sealed the win and the three points when Maurice Dunne fired a thirty yard free kick into the top left hand corner of the net with seven minutes remaining. From the next Rovers attack Peter Finnegan who had an outstanding game ran at pace tormenting four defenders before blasting over. In the space of two minutes at the eighty sixth minute mark Rovers had two goals disallowed, the first was probably right but everyone in the ground were left a little bewildered with the second one. In injury time Rossa Marron was called upon to make a superb save in a one on one situation. On the final whistle Rovers ran out deserved 3-1 winners. Rossa Marron when called on was impressive between the posts. The Rovers team as a whole were very impressive on the night, the defence of Mark O'Sullivan, Leonard Carton, Ian Brannigan and Mikey Delaney were solid throughout while up front the dangerous Gareth Murphy was a constant thorn in the side of the away defence. The midfield of Rovers were in control for large parts of the game with Peter Finnegan putting in an excellent shift, it was close for the man of the match nomination with several players in the running. At the end of the game the nomination was Rikki Quinn edging out Peter Finnegan and Gareth Murphy. Quinn started in the middle of the park and was instrumental in all Rovers attacking play while also assisting his defence. In the second period he moved back into the centre of defence where he was calm and assured. This win keeps Rovers very much in the promotion hunt and with another home game against Ratoath Harps this coming Tuesday in Whitegates at 7.30pm the lads will be hoping to claim another three valuable points.TEAM: Rossa Marron, Mark O'Sullivan, Michael Delaney, Leonard Carton, Ian Brannigan, Rikki Quinn, Peter Finnegan, Alan Delaney, Maurice Dunne, Gareth Murphy, Ciaran McGettigan. SUBS: Adam Cox for (Leonard Carton 65 mins), Luke Byrne for (Alan Delaney 70 minutes), Jim Foley for (Mark O'Sullivan 85 minutes), Mark Johnson for (Peter Finnegan 85 minutes), Greg Dunne.

Date: 20/4/18Comp: Polikoff Cup Q/FVenue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.30pm

Polikoff Cup Quarter FinalWicklow Rovers 2 Collinstown FC 0

Our senior men welcomed Collinstown FC to Whitegates tonight for a Polikoff cup quarter final game and as opponents go they don't come any bigger than the Leinster Junior cup holders. If ever there was a game that was going to show how far the lads have progressed this was it. The away side made the early running pushing Rovers back to the edge of their own penalty area but in those early minutes the defence of Mark O'Sullivan, Ian Brannigan, David Rowan and Rikki Quinn dealt comfortably with the assault on the Rovers rearguard. It was actually the home side who created the first clear cut chance when Ciaran McGettigan raced onto a long ball out of defence to chip the advancing keeper and with the net unguarded the ball just drifted wide as Gareth Murphy agonisingly went close to turning it in. Three minutes later Murphy's cross had the keeper scurrying across his line as the ball just cleared the bar and dropped onto the back of the net. On twenty one minutes Collinstown went close with an effort that was just off target. On the half hour mark Shane Doyle in the Rovers goal came to his sides rescue with a superb save from a vicious shot. Rovers straight away went up the other end and Luke Byrne's trickery was causing all sorts of problems for the away defence, he was hauled down thirty yards out, Maurice Dunne took the resulting free kick and was just off target. Rovers were very much in the game and were starting to believe they could take a big scalp here. On thirty six minutes Ciaran McGettigan was set away out wide on the left, McGettigan attacked the Collinstown defence at pace, cut in and fired across the keeper into the far right hand corner of the net to spark wild celebrations. The game was now nip and tuck, Peter Finnegan was turning in another wonderful display in the engine room and he was ably assisted by the hard working Tommy Kelly. Right on the stroke of half time Collinstown thought they'd levelled matters. Shane Doyle pulled off a magnificent save but the breaking ball was tucked away by a Collinstown player only to be ruled out by the referee's assistant who deemed he was standing in an offside position. The half time whistle sounded and Rovers went in at the break 1-0 to the good. The first ten minutes of the second period were going to be crucial and to the lads credit they more than matched their higher ranked opponents limiting them to the long ball which the Rovers defence mopped up every time. Shane Doyle was acting as a sweeper coming out and cleaning any high ball over the top. Disaster struck on sixty eight minutes and it came from an unusual source, we had a floodlight failure which threatened to give a premature end to the game. This would have been cruel on the lads as they were performing to the top of their game and were well in the hunt to produce a major shock. Luckily power was resumed and it was game on again. With eighteen minutes left on the clock Rovers were in dream land. A free kick was swung over from the right and was met by the head of Tommy Kelly to guide the ball home to ripple the back of the net to set off the celebrations once again. With Rovers now two up it was their's to lose but they were in no mood to give anything away with every player in a green and white jersey laying their body on the line for the cause. With twelve minutes remaining Collinstown went close but their effort sailed over into the night time sky. On eighty minutes Shane Doyle made a neat save to prevent the away side pulling one back. The last chance of note for Collinstown came with seven minutes left on the clock but their shot shaved the outside of the post and rebounded away to safety. The home saw out the closing minutes without any scares to claim a major scalp and record a famous victory in the club's history. The defence of Mark O'Sullivan, Ian Brannigan, David Rowan, Rikki Quinn and Alan Delaney when introduced as a second half substitute were superb all night, to hold Collinstown scoreless for ninety minutes was a magnificent achievement. The midfield quartet of Peter Finnegan, Tommy Kelly, Maurice Dunne and Luke Byrne were excellent, working hard around the pitch while also backing up their defence and attack. Upfront Ciaran McGettigan and Gareth Murphy's pace was causing the away side all sorts of problems not giving them a minutes peace. When it comes to man of the match for the game l could choose any one of the players out on the pitch but I'm going to give it to goalkeeper Shane Doyle. The reason is definitely not because Rovers were under the cosh as it was far from it as it was an even game throughout with Rovers just about shading it. The reason for Shane's nomination was he made three magnificent saves at crucial times in the game. He also acted as an extra sweeper coming off his line to mop up long balls over the top. Add to this his safe handling under the high ball when the away side pumped the ball in on top of the goals late on is the reason why Shane just shades it from his fellow team mates. All in all this was a superb team effort from everyone on and off the pitch plus the management team of Greg Dunne, Denis Vickers and Richie Fitzpatrick who are doing sterling work moulding the team. The lads will now be hoping for a home draw in the semi final but for the moment they can enjoy a famous night for the club.TEAM: Shane Doyle, Mark O'Sullivan, Ian Brannigan, David Rowan, Rikki Quinn, Tommy Kelly, Peter Finnegan, Luke Byrne, Maurice Dunne, Gareth Murphy, Ciaran McGettigan. SUBS: Alan Delaney, Jim Foley, Mark Johnson, Rossa Marron, Greg Dunne, Sean Tobin.

The senior men travelled to Blanchardstown to take on Castleknock Celtic in the semi final of the Polikoff cup and as semi finals go this one had it all. Goals, near misses, great saves, red cards and lots more. You just couldn't take your eyes off the action. Rovers got off to the worst start possible and after two minutes they found themselves one down after a long ball over the top was duly dispatched by the home side. Rovers showed great character and took the game to their hosts after falling behind. After ten minutes Ciaran McGettigan broke through the centre of the home defence but was denied by a good save from the keeper. A minute later Gareth Murphy fired over. On twelve minutes Shane Doyle raced off his line to save well on the edge of the Rovers area. On sixteen minutes a good flowing move ended with Maurice Dunne rattling the crossbar from twenty five yards. The game was being played at a frantic pace and on the twenty minute mark Shane Doyle was called on again to tip the ball around the post. After twenty three minutes Ciaran McGettigan was brought down and Rovers were awarded a penalty. Mikey Delaney stepped up and coolly slotted home the spot kick. The game was end to end and Shane Doyle came to his sides rescue with another good save. Just on the stroke of half time Rovers went close to taking the lead, Gareth Murphy picked out Ciaran McGettigan but his effort was just wide. The half time whistle went with the sides level at 1-1. The second half saw the game played at a much more sedate pace but we were still served with excitement and controversy. Three minutes into the second period a clash between Luke Byrne and Castleknock's number 15 started a mini scuffle after Rovers were awarded a free. A resulting off the ball incident ended with Tommy Kelly been shown a red card but he was immediately followed by the Castleknock number 15 for his involvement in the incident. On sixty two minutes Doyle in the Rovers goal came to his team's rescue with a magnificent save when a certain goal looked on the cards as he tipped the ball around the post. From the resulting corner the home side went in front after they ghosted in at the back post to head home. Rovers pushed forward seeking an equaliser and on sixty eight minutes they got the reward their efforts warranted. Mark O'Sullivan made an excellent run down the right wing and his deep cross was swept to the back of the net by Gareth Murphy to level the game at 2-2. The game petered out with both sides creating a couple of half chances but not really troubling the keepers. The first period of extra time was only a minute old when Castleknock went 3-2 up with a carbon copy of their first goal with a long ball over the top which Shane Doyle had no chance with. In the ninety seventh minute Castleknock were awarded a penalty which was hotly disputed. The Rovers defender made an excellent challenge to cleanly win the ball with the referee being the only person in the ground to deem it a foul, mind baffling to say the least. Justice was done when the superb Shane Doyle dived low to his right to turn away a powerfully well taken spot kick. Half time in extra time and it was the hosts who were 3-2 in front. The second half of extra time started with Castleknock playing possession football limiting Rovers to chasing for possession of the ball. To Rovers credit they dug in and kept at their opponents, with three minutes of extra time remaining Luke Byrne fired a wicked shot across the face of the goal which had the home netminder scrambling to reach. With time running out Rovers levelled matters and it was no more than they deserved. On the stroke of full time Gareth Murphy cut in from the right to fire home to give Rovers a well deserved equaliser and it was on to the dreaded penalty shootout. Unfortunately for Rovers it wasn't to be as they lost the penalty shootout 4-3. It was a heart breaking end to a cracking game for the lads. Every player gave it their all in a tough fast paced game. The lads will be disappointed losing out in the way that they did but they can hold their heads up and be proud of the effort and character they showed to come back on three occasions. The lads definitely did not deserve to lose in the way that they did after such a tremendous effort. It was a pity there had to be a loser but that's the cruel side of football. As l said every player gave it their all and done themselves and the club proud but when it comes to man of the match selection l don't think anyone could argue with the choice of Shane Doyle in the Rovers goal. It might sound as if Rovers were under extreme pressure when you select your keeper as man of the match but nothing could be further from the truth. The reason for the selection was Shane Doyle made outstanding saves at crucial times in the game. Take his three or four excellent saves in normal time, another world class save from a hotly disputed penalty in the first period of extra time and then a magnificent save in the penalty shootout. Add to this his commanding presence in his area acting as a sweeper to mop up balls over the top shows Shane was deserving of his nomination. Finally well done to all the players on their effort and commitment over the season and the entertainment they provided over the course of the season. Greg Dunne and Denis Vickers have to take a lot of credit for the moulding of a very good side which if they had the rub of green would now be preparing for a cup final. Well done lads and hard luck.TEAM: Shane Doyle, Mark O'Sullivan, Mikey Delaney, Ian Brannigan, Rikki Quinn, Tommy Kelly, Peter Finnegan, Luke Byrne, Maurice Dunne, Gareth Murphy, Ciaran McGettigan. SUBS: Lenny Carton for (Ian Brannigan 52 mins), Mark Johnson for (Maurice Dunne 67 mins), Mark Delaney for (Ciaran McGettigan 92 mins), Jim Foley, Alan Delaney, Greg Dunne, Daryl Sullivan, Rossa Marron.

The senior men took on Castleknock Celtic in a repeat of last Friday night's Polikoff cup semi-final. The problem going into the game tonight was to get the lads up for the game after the heartbreak of their penalty shootout defeat in the semi final. In a quite enough opening the first chance of note came to the away side on eleven minutes which they duly tucked away to go in front. On twenty one minutes Castleknock made it 2-0. The game was the complete opposite to Friday's which was played at a frantic pace, this had a more laid back feel about it. On the stroke of half time Castleknock went 3-0 up when Rovers failed to clear their lines. Ten minutes into the second period the Dublin side were awarded a penalty which was converted to make it 4-0. Rovers hadn't created anything of note against a well drilled away defence but on sixty two minutes Maurice Dunne went close with a free kick on the edge of the box. Luke Byrne went agonisingly close on seventy minutes as Rovers started to create some chances. Three minutes later the keeper saved well from Mark Johnson. With eleven minutes remaining Luke Byrne forced the keeper into a good save but the save of the game came with six minutes remaining when young Rovers keeper Rossa Marron pulled off a magnificent save when a certain goal looked on the cards. The game ended 4-0 to the away side. On a bad night at the office best for Rovers were Gareth Murphy and Luke Byrne who ran tirelessly for the team.TEAM: Rossa Marron, Mark O'Sullivan, Ian Brannigan, Leonard Carton, Rikki Quinn, Mark Johnson, Peter Finnegan, Luke Byrne, Maurice Dunne, Gareth Murphy, Jim Foley. SUBS: David Rowan for (Jim Foley 50 minutes), Daryl Sullivan for (Ian Brannigan 65 minutes), Greg Dunne.

Comp: DWSL CupDate: 10th April 2017Venue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7pm

DWSL Group 4Wicklow Rovers 5 Terenure FC 0

The senior ladies kicked off their season in style tonight when they defeated Terenure 5-0 in the Whitegates. The girls were quick out of the traps and on six minutes Niamh O'Brien forced the Terenure keeper into a good save. Rovers were definitely on the front foot early on in the game and their early pressure paid off in the thirteenth minute when Niamh O'Brien and Rachel Bolger combined to set up Natasha Fitzgerald who slotted home from six yards. Natasha Fitzgerald went close to doubling Rovers lead two minutes later but was denied by the away keeper. In the space of two minutes at the midway point of the half Rovers went close to extending the lead. First it was Rachel Bolger who fired narrowly wide and then Fitzgerald saw her goalbound shot turned away by the keeper. In the thirty first minute Niamh O'Brien won the race to the loose ball to fire past the keeper to put Rovers deservingly 2-0 up. The twin strike force of O'Brien and Fitzgerald were causing all sorts of problems for the away defence and it was Fitzgerald who scored her second and Rovers third when she latched onto a Rachel Bolger cross to fire home in the thirty eighth minute and send the girls in at the break 3-0 up.The second half started in the same vein with Rovers doing all the pressing and on fifty one minutes Fitzgerald crossed from the left to find O'Brien at the back post and she calmly dispatched the ball to the net for her second and Rovers fourth. At this stage Rovers were in total control with Rachel Bolger and Valentine Lenoir controlling and dictating the play in the centre of the park. The Rovers defence of Saoirse O'Reilly, Louise Johnson, Nicole Hubbard and Ann Murphy were rock solid. In the fifty third minute Terenure did breach the Rovers rearguard but Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal pulled off a fantastic save. In the sixty fifth minute Valentine Lenoir's cross from the right picked out Natasha Fitzgerald out on the left, Fitzgerald controlled the ball and coolly curled the ball around the keeper to complete her hat-trick and make it 5-0. With four minutes left on the clock Charmaine Higgins ensured Rovers kept a clean sheet when she bravely saved at the strikers feet. Rovers ran out deserving 5-0 winners. Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal had a relatively quiet night but when she was called on she made two fantastic saves. The back four of Saoirse O'Reilly, Louise Johnson, Nicole Hubbard and Ann Murphy were rock solid throughout and limited the away side to a couple of half chances. Rachel Bolger and Valentine Lenoir covered every blade of grass while been instrumental in all Rovers attacks. They were ably assisted by Hannah Cox on the right and Deirbhle Geraghty on the left with both girls putting in great shifts. Up front the twin strike force of Natasha Fitzgerald and Niamh O'Brien were a constant thorn in the side of the visitors defence causing them all sorts of problems. When introduced with ten minutes remaining Katie O'Connor chased everything down and was unlucky not to score only been denied by the keeper. It a fantastic all round team display from the girls and it was the type of performance where you couldn't select a girl of the match as every single girl on the pitch put in a tremendous shift, well done to Mandy and the girls on a terrific display tonight. Also get well soon to Valentine Lenoir who received an ankle injury tonight.TEAM: Charmaine Higgins, Ann Murphy, Nicole Hubbard, Saoirse O'Reilly, Louise Johnson, Hannah Cox, Rachel Bolger, Valentine Lenoir, Deirbhle Geraghty, Niamh O'Brien, Natasha Fitzgerald. SUBS: Katie O'Connor, Brigid O'Reilly.

Comp: DWSL CupDate: 24/4/17Venue: DrimnaghKick Off: 7pm

DWSL CupMourne Celtic 2 Wicklow Rovers 2

The senior ladies travelled to Drimnagh tonight to take on Mourne Celtic. Last season when they met at the same venue the girls were well beaten. But a sign of how the girls have came along was when they were a little disappointed they didn't come home with all three points after drawing 2-2. In truth the girls should have claimed all three points on the balance of play. With ten minutes gone on the clock Saoirse O'Reilly was the first to threaten when her effort was well saved by the Mourne keeper. The home team's first chance of note came after seventeen minutes but Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal was equal to it pulling off a magnificent save to push the ball around the post. On twenty two Rovers had a great chance when Niamh O'Brien found herself through on goal but the keeper denied her. But three minutes later Niamh made no mistake. Rachel Bolger and Natasha Fitzgerald combined out on the left to find O'Brien just inside the area and she made no mistake blasting home to give Rovers a deserved lead. On the thirty minute mark Rovers should have increased their lead, a long ball out of defence from Ann Murphy found Niamh O'Brien but her shot shaved the outside of the upright. Disaster struck for Rovers two minutes before the break, the Mourne number seven picked the ball up in the centre of the park and was let run to the edge of the Rovers area without been closed down before unleashing a thuderous shot which nestled in the back of the net to level matters. Just before the break Rovers went close to retaking the lead when the impressive Saoirse O'Reilly went close. The second half continued in the same vein with Rovers on the front foot, after fifty minutes Hannah Cox struck the Mourne post and a minute later Valentine Lenoir could only watch as her effort sailed just wide. Then Rachel Bolger was denied by the keeper. On fifty four minutes the girls got caught with a sucker punch goal against the run of play. So after dictating the game it looked like the girls missed chances were going to come back to haunt them but they showed great character to battle back. They won a penalty after fifty nine minutes and Natasha Fitzgerald stepped up to coolly slot the ball home in the bottom left hand corner. Rovers created several more chances but unfortunately they failed to take them. The game ended up at 2-2 but in truth on the balance of play the girls should have brought all three points back to Wicklow. On the night player of the match went to Valentine Lenoir who covered every blade of grass on the pitch and her technical ability on the ball was a joy to watch. Her overall game is a lesson to any budding female footballers. She was ably assisted by Rachel Bolger who put in another good shift in the engine room. Saoirse O'Reilly also impressed in her new role wide on the left, she was on hand to help out her defence while she was a handful when attacking. Nicole Hubbard was another player who stood out with her solid defending while also getting forward at every possible opportunity. All in all it was a good team performance from the girls.TEAM: Charmaine Higgins, Ann Murphy, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Kellie Ryder, Hannah Cox, Rachel Bolger, Valentine Lenoir, Saoirse O'Reilly, Niamh O'Brien, Natasha Fitzgerald. SUBS : Katie O'Connor, Rachel Hodgkinson.

Comp: DWSL CupDate: 5/5/17Venue: DonnycarneyKick Off: 7pm

DWSL CupDonnycarney 1 Wicklow Rovers 5

The senior ladies recorded an excellent 5-1 away win over Donnycarney tonight. Hannah Cox fired the girls in front after five minutes. On the quarter hour mark Kellie Ryder crossed to Niamh O'Brien who duly dispatched the ball to the net to make it 2-0. Two minutes later it was 3-0 when Charmaine Higgins fired home. On thirty six minutes Niamh O'Brien scored her second and Rovers fourth. The icing on the cake came when Rachel "The goal machine" Bolger scored her first goal since returning from a serious injury. The home nabbed a consolation goal but Rovers were well worth their win to make it two wins and a draw from their first three games. The Rovers defence were solid throughout the game, Laura O'Brien in the Rovers goal pulled off some outstanding saves. Brigid O'Reilly put in a good shift up front in her first full game of the season. Player of the game went to Kellie Ryder who was outstanding throughout the match while also providing an assist. The girls are back in action next week with two home games, on Tuesday they take on Shankill and on Wednesday they entertain Dundalk sideCastletown Belles.

Comp: DWSL CupDate: 8/5/17Venue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7pm

DWSL CupWicklow Rovers 3 Shankill FC 2

Well our senior ladies took on the favourites for the DWSL cup tonight in the shape of Shankill FC. It was Shankill who started the better as the Wicklow girls took time to settle. Shankill pushed Rovers back and even though they had the majority of possession they never really caused Laura O'Brien in the Rovers goal any major problems in the first twenty minutes. Rovers worked their way into the game and started to mount a few attacks. In the thirty first minute the very impressive Niamh O'Brien put Rovers in front when she latched on to a Rachel Bolger pass to squeeze the ball past the keeper. Five minutes before the break Shankill drew level with a deserved equaliser and teams went in at the break level at 1-1. Rovers reshuffled the pack and came out in the second half all guns blazing. The twin strike force of Niamh O'Brien and Natasha Fitzgerald were causing their more experienced opponents untold problems. On fifty one minutes it was the same combination that led to the first Rovers goal that combined to put them 2-1 up, Rachel Bolger slipped a through ball into Niamh O'Brien and she powerfully fired into the bottom left hand corner. The girls were full of confidence now and more than matched their higher ranked opponents. Things got even better on fifty eight minutes, Niamh O'Brien completed her hat-trick when Natasha Fitzgerald set her up and she made no mistake to make it 3-1. Laura O'Brien came to her side's rescue with an unbelievable save with her foot when a certain goal looked on the cards. Indeed Shankill were piling forward looking for a way back into the game but couldn't get past a stubborn Rovers defence of Ann Murphy, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson and Kellie Ryder. When Shankill did get past the Rovers rearguard they found Laura O'Brien in inspired form. In the seventy fifth minute Louise Johnson put her body on the line for her team when she threw herself in front of a thunderbolt of a shot from the Shankill striker to block the ball. Shankill did pull one back with ten minutes remaining and this signalled an onslaught from Shankill. The girls did escape in the last minute when a Shankill effort struck the woodwork. A great result for the girls which puts them top of the group with one game remaining. On the night Laura O'Brien was outstanding in the Rovers goal pulling off several good saves. The back four of Ann Murphy, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson and Kellie Ryder were excellent when put under pressure. The midfield of Hannah Cox, Rachel Bolger, Natasha Fitzgerald and Charmine Higgins put in a great shift up and down the field with Rachel providing two assists and Natasha one assist. Up front Brigid O'Reilly worked hard closing down the Shankill defence. With everyone playing their part it would always be difficult to pick a player of the match but on this occasion l don't think anyone could complain about the selection of Niamh O'Brien as player of the match. She provided three high class finishes but her work rate was phenomenal, she covered every blade of grass on the pitch running herself to a standstill and into the bargain she helped out her midfield when required. A big thanks to everyone who came along to support the team. A special thanks goes to Rachel and Katie while even though they didn't get onto the field of play their encouragement from the sideline was inspiring to the girls. Finally but not least well done to Mandy who does trojan work with this group of girls. Everyone at Wicklow Rovers AFC and connected with the girls team wish Saoirse O'Reilly and Deirbhle Geraghty a speedy recovery from their injuries. This result puts them in the driving seat with one game left and that comes up Wednesday night when the entertain Castletown Belles from Dundalk in Whitegates, game kicks off at 8pm so come along and cheer the girls on. They would appreciate your support.TEAM: Laura O'Brien, Ann Murphy, Nicole Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Kellie Ryder, Hannah Cox, Rachel Bolger, Natasha Fitzgerald, Charmine Higgins, Brigid O'Reilly, Niamh O'Brien, Rachel Hodgkinson and Katie O'Connor.

Comp: LeagueDate: 15/5/17Venue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

DWSL League Inter 3Wicklow Rovers 3 Terenure B 2

The senior ladies kicked off their league campaign with a home game against Terenure tonight at Whitegates. Fresh from their DWSL cup success the girls would have been looking for a positive start. Things didn't start well, even before kick off the problems were mounting as the girls were down three regulars. Anyway it was onto the match and Rovers had the first chance of note when Niamh O'Brien beat the offside trap but her near post effort was beating away by the away keeper. In the eighth minute disaster struck for the home side as Terenure took the lead. In the twenty second minute Niamh O'Brien cut through the away defence only to fire her effort wide of the post. On the half hour mark Terenure increased their lead and things weren't looking good for Rovers. Nothing was going according to plan, the girls just couldn't get going and they carried no real threat in the first half. At half time Deirbhle Geraghty was introduced from the bench, this allowed Natasha Fitzgerald to move to her favoured strikers role. Straight away you could see Rovers were more up for it in the second half, seven minutes after the restart Rachel Bolger got an the end of a Kellie Ryder free kick to powerfully head home but to everyone's dismay the referee disallowed the goal. Rovers were now on the front foot and were putting their opponents under severe pressure. On fifty four minutes Rachel Bolger went close again, this time her effort shaved the wrong side of the upright. At this stage Rovers changed formation to a 4-3-1-2 with Rachel Bolger taking a more advanced role. It immediately paid dividends when Deirbhle Geraghty and Bolger combined to set Niamh O'Brien away and she made no mistake, game on. Three minutes later the sides were level when Rachel "The Goal Machine" Bolger broke through the Terenure defence to fire past the keeper to make it 2-2. With fifteen minutes left on the clock the comeback was complete. Niamh O'Brien cut in from the right wing leaving her marker in her wake, O'Brien squared the ball to Natasha Fitzgerald and she powerfully drilled the ball home to make it 3-2. Terenure did have one last chance to square it up with a minute left but the Rovers keeper pulled off an excellent save. In the first half the girls didn't reach their normal standards they have set for themselves. The central defensive partnership of Kellie Ryder and Louise Johnson held their team together with Rachel Bolger and Niamh O'Brien further up front causing problems in that first half. The second half saw more of a team performance and the standard we've come to expect from the girls. On the night Deirbhle Geraghty definitely made a big difference when sprung from the bench. Rachel Bolger was inventive in the centre of the park while also scoring one. Further upfield Niamh O'Brien and Natasha Fitzgerald were causing untold trouble when they teamed up and they also netted a goal a piece. Saoirse O'Reilly put in an industrious display with Louise Johnson leading by example pushing her team forward. But when it comes to player of the match the selection goes to Kellie Ryder who impressed through out the whole ninety minutes, her reading of the game was excellent. She came to her teams rescue on several occasions with her timely interceptions and her distribution from defence was spot on. An excellent three points to kick start the league campaign after a slow start. Well done girls.

Comp: LeagueDate: 22/5/17Venue: Jobstown ParkKick Off: 7.15pm

DWSL League Inter 3Brookfield FC 0 Wicklow Rovers 5

The senior ladies travelled to Jobstown in Tallaght tonight for their second league game hoping to continue their unbeaten start to the season. Last season they lost 4-1 in this fixture so the girls were hoping to reverse the result this time around. Rovers were quickest out of the starting blocks with Natasha Fitzgerald going close after five minutes. The girls went in front after twelve minutes, a rasping shot from Rachel Bolger was parried by the keeper but Niamh O'Brien was alert to pounce on the rebound to smash the ball high into the roof of the net. Five minutes later O'Brien went on a superb solo run ghosting past three defenders before dragging her effort just past the far post. Rovers were dictating the play with Rachel Bolger and Saoirse O'Reilly pulling the strings in the middle of the park ably assisted by Hannah Cox wide on the right and Deirbhle Geraghty out on the left. Midway through the half Rachel Bolger swung a cross in from the right which was met by Natasha Fitzgerald whose half volley sailed over. Rovers went in at the break 1-0 up, a lead that was fully deserved. The second half started with the impressive Saoirse O'Reilly firing an effort just wide of the upright. A minute later Rovers had a let off when the home side rattled the crossbar. This was the jolt the girls needed and two minutes later they increased their lead. Saoirse O'Reilly's high cross was expertly taken down by Fitzgerald and coolly slotted home to make it 2-0. Natasha Fitzgerald got her second and Rovers third when she sneaked in at the back post to finish off a Kellie Ryder corner. On seventy three minutes it was 4-0, a delightful through ball from Rachel Bolger put Niamh O'Brien away on goal and she made no mistake firing past the advancing keeper. The girls weren't finished at that and they added a fifth when Rachel "The Goal Machine" Bolger curled a delightful shot past the keeper to cap of a fantastic display in the middle from Bolger. The team put in an excellent team performance. Charmaine Higgins in the Rovers goal was her reliable safe self. The back four of Ann Murphy, Louise Johnson, Kellie Ryder and Laura O'Brien were rock solid and Nicole Hubbard when introduced was as effective. The centre of the park was controlled by Rachel Bolger and Saoirse O'Reilly with a lot of Rovers attacks going through the two girls. Hannah Cox on the right and Deirbhle Geraghty on the left put in a great shift working tirelessly for their team. Up front the prolific duo of Niamh O'Brien and Natasha Fitzgerald were a constant thorn in the side of the Brookfield rearguard with both players netting twice. When it comes to player of the match it was hard to separate the midfield duo of Rachel Bolger and Saoirse O'Reilly. Both girls were excellent in the centre of the park. They broke up most of the Brookfield attacking play while also providing the springboard for all the Rovers attacks. Both players were dogged in the tackles and were involved in all five Rovers goals. They both worked their socks off in the engine room of the team. This win gives the girls two wins from two in the league and also means their unbeaten in seven competitive games now. They take on CMH FC in the junior cup at Whitegates this Wednesday night, match kicks off at 7.15pm, all support is welcomed. TEAM: Charmaine Higgins, Ann Murphy, Louise Johnson, Kellie Ryder, Laura O'Brien, Hannah Cox, Rachel Bolger, Saoirse O'Reilly, Deirbhle Geraghty, Niamh O'Brien, Natasha Fitzgerald. SUBS : Nicole Hubbard, Katie O'Connor, Brigid O'Reilly.

Comp: LeagueDate: 29/5/17Venue: WhitegatesKick Off: 7.15pm

DWSL League Inter 3Wicklow Rovers 8 Rivervalley Rangers 0

The senior ladies continued their magnificent start to the season when they defeated Rivervalley Rangers 8-0 at Whitegates. The girls are now unbeaten after eight cup and league games winning seven and drawn one. Last night in the league they hit their opponents with a clinical display. Rachel ''The Goal Machine'' Bolger smashed home an excellent hat-trick to bring her tally for the season to six. The twin strike force of Niamh O'Brien and Natasha Fitzgerald were not to be outdone as they both weighed in with a brace each to bring their season totals to thirteen and nine respectively. The goal haul was completed by Mel Clarke who was making her competitive debut for the girls. The was an excellent all round team performance from the girls.TEAM: Laura O'Brien, Charmaine Higgins, Louise Johnson, Kellie Ryder, Nicole Hubbard, Hannah Cox, Rachel Bolger, Saoirse O'Reilly, Mel Clarke, Niamh O'Brien, Natasha Fitzgerald, Anne Murphy, Brigid O'Reilly, Katie O'Connor and Rachel Hodgkinson.